I don't understand how anyone can prefer Google maps's style (probably lack of knowledge of alternatives). It's pretty much unreadable, extremely low contrast, doesn't show like 20% of streets even if they're there and fit easily on a selected zoom level, and thus is useless for orientation/printing for walking types, like me.
Thankfully I only ever have to use Google Maps if the website integrates them into the contact section, and we have much better local mapping website/app.
I can use one to comfortably find my way in the city center even without zooming, and it's not the Google Maps.
I can look at the better map, figure out where I am and where I want to get to, figure out my next few skips and turns and forget about the map for the next 5-10 minutes.
I don't need to constantly zoom around or use GPS at all. Actually, I wonder if Google made such a garbage map style just to force people to fiddle with their devices more, while they're navigating around the city, and to make them use GPS, because it's really hard to orient yourself and plan if you lose so much detail when looking at lower zoom level for overview.
I'm guessing most people using gmaps are looking for something like places to eat or landmarks/attractions then use the navigate feature to get there and so it focuses on presenting that information.
Well that's my point. Stupid map that forces you to enable GPS, and fiddle with the device constantly, instead of presenting useful information to plan a walk for several streets and enjoy/be aware of the city.
Thankfully I only ever have to use Google Maps if the website integrates them into the contact section, and we have much better local mapping website/app.
Same zoom level:
Gmaps: https://megous.com/dl/tmp/fbcf80d0eda5570c.png Local app: https://megous.com/dl/tmp/5cbe3d860874717b.png
I can use one to comfortably find my way in the city center even without zooming, and it's not the Google Maps.
I can look at the better map, figure out where I am and where I want to get to, figure out my next few skips and turns and forget about the map for the next 5-10 minutes.
I don't need to constantly zoom around or use GPS at all. Actually, I wonder if Google made such a garbage map style just to force people to fiddle with their devices more, while they're navigating around the city, and to make them use GPS, because it's really hard to orient yourself and plan if you lose so much detail when looking at lower zoom level for overview.