Google Maps' Hiking Blind Spot

Google Maps' latest upgrade has brought significant changes to its navigation features, but one area remains untouched, outdoor navigation. A recent incident involving a group of novice hikers on Canada's Howe Sound Crest Trail in British Columbia highlights the limitations of using Google Maps for hiking.

The 17-year-old hikers relied solely on the app's five-hour walk estimate, which proved to be inaccurate. The trail is an 18-mile hike with a 6,000-foot elevation gain and is considered a two-day trip for beginners. Experienced hikers would have known better, but novice hikers may not understand the limitations of Google Maps.

Google Maps' walking estimates are based on an average human speed, which doesn't account for individual variations or trail terrain. The app's reliance on satellite imagery and machine learning is also limited in complex natural landscapes like forests and mountains.

Competitor Apple Maps has addressed this issue with its hiking upgrade in iOS 18, providing access to U.S. national park hike information and topographical maps. However, many seasoned hikers still discourage using mainstream navigation platforms for hazardous routes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, hobby-specific apps like Mapy, komoot, and Open Street Map offer more accurate information. Additionally, local surveying agencies provide topographical data online. It's essential to have multiple resources at hand, including analog maps and compass skills, to ensure safe navigation in the great outdoors.