“Turn right” is actually a pretty clear statement. Unfortunately, a bug in Google Maps resulted in incorrect walking or driving directions being given during navigation. How many times have we gone around in circles because we didn't know which direction to walk when we got off the subway?
For now walking a few streets in the wrong directiononly to discover that Google Maps showed the direction incorrectly is even more annoying.
Error was caused by smartphone sensors
If you look closely, the error was not caused by Google itself. So it wasn't a Google Maps-exclusive problem at all, but rather a problem Problem with the sensors on the smartphone. Sometimes these tend to output incorrect data, which Google Maps then reacts to.
The device's sensor makes a certain assumption about the direction in which the smartphone is held. This information is transmitted to Google Maps and thereby Directional instructions issued.
In order to “correct” the device orientation, it was sometimes necessary to take a few steps. This allowed the sensors to recalibrate. So if Google Maps gives contradictory information and sent the user from right to left and back again, this was often due to the smartphone's sensors and not the app itself.
By the way, there was another insider tip that has nothing to do with running. With the Camera of the cell phone Scan the street signs or business names in the area and Google Maps could orientate yourself better.
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Alignment is not just important for Google Maps
It's not just Google Maps that suffers from the sensors sometimes going crazy. The pure compass is also affected, but gesture recognition or augmented reality can also suffer from incorrect sensor data.
Proper orientation is needed to determine how one's device is oriented in relation to the environment. There are probably a few glitches, so Google Maps users have often complained about errors.
Google explained on the Android Developer Blog that the problem could occur especially in densely built-up and urban areas GPS not always reliable be. Google has now developed a new API called Fused Orientation Provider that is intended to improve navigation.
Using FOP, the erroneous sensor signals are compensated for because signals from the magnetometer, gyroscope and accelerometer are also taken into account.
In the end, better position detection is possible, so that the direction error should finally occur less. The new API can already be used by users if they have a Update for the Google Maps app have undertaken. Google also emphasizes that no additional energy consumption is to be expected as a result of this method.
Sources: Google, Android Developer Blog