The Guardian: Newly opened WestConnex tunnel missing from Google Maps, causing confusion in Sydney. “Google Maps is working to resolve an issue where Sydney’s newly opened WestConnex M4 East motorway – part of Australia’s largest transport infrastructure project – does not display on its map.”
driving
BBC: Twitch streamers banned for dangerous driving
BBC: Twitch streamers banned for dangerous driving. “So-called ‘IRL streaming’ – derived from the internet jargon ‘in real life’ – has become a popular pastime for many, with personalities like Pokimane and Loltyler1 amassing millions of followers through their regular real-life streams.”
XDA Developers: Google Maps tests a new alert for when your taxi goes off route
XDA Developers: Google Maps tests a new alert for when your taxi goes off route. “These new off-route alerts in Google Maps will send an alert to your phone every time you get sidetracked from the intended course by 500 meters. Besides ensuring your safety, the feature should also help you avoid being tricked by a cab driver while traveling to an unfamiliar part of the city.” That happened to me in Boston once many years ago — I got absolutely hosed. I still love Boston anyway. Do not love that cab driver.
Government Technology: States Contribute Images for 270K Miles of Roads to Database
Government Technology: States Contribute Images for 270K Miles of Roads to Database. “Hundreds of thousands of miles of roadways in Arizona and a number of other states are part of a growing network of images detailing guardrails, street-signage, striping and other features central to understanding and improving highway safety.”
Bing Blog: See the Road Ahead with Traffic Camera Images on Bing Maps
Bing Blog: See the Road Ahead with Traffic Camera Images on Bing Maps. “The Bing Maps Routing and Traffic Team is constantly working to make navigation and route planning easier! Hot on the heels of our previous announcement about traffic coloring, the Bing Maps team is proud to announce that we have made it possible for users to access traffic camera images along a planned driving route! You can now see traffic camera icons along a short to moderate-length route. By clicking on a traffic camera icon, you can view the latest image from the traffic camera at that location.”
CTV News: Google Maps warning drivers of some photo radar cameras
CTV News: Google Maps warning drivers of some photo radar cameras. “While directing drivers on when and where to turn to get to a destination, Google Maps is also giving a little direction on safety. A feature currently being rolled out sees a verbal warning shared to drivers approaching a fixed speed camera, saying ‘speed camera ahead’ in an automated voice.”
ProPublica Illinois: How to Use the Ticket Trap, Our New Database That Lets You Explore How Chicago Tickets Motorists and Collects Debt
ProPublica Illinois: How to Use the Ticket Trap, Our New Database That Lets You Explore How Chicago Tickets Motorists and Collects Debt. “This week, we published a new database that lets you explore how ticketing, debt and the rates at which people appeal their tickets compare across Chicago’s 50 wards. We call it The Ticket Trap. Why? Because as our reporting over the past year has shown, thousands of Chicago motorists — particularly residents of low-income and black neighborhoods — lose their right to drive or lose their vehicles. Many file for bankruptcy as a way out.”
