Outrageously cool. This is a textbook for how to build stuff in the modern way.<p>1) Start with a design<p>2) Get feedback<p>3) Improve design<p>4) Goto Step 2<p>This would also be fantastic in other places <i>with</i> roadnames. For example, walking direction around a city like D.C. "walk away from the Washington Monument and Towards the Lincoln Memorial."
People dont know about this - but another company in Delhi (India) : Routeguru.com, does this too.<p>But I guess you cant beat the mothership - even with a headstart.
So how much did it cost U. N. A. Cycle Traders to be listed as a "landmark"?<p>It brings up a mildly interesting machine vision problem: using the Street View data to confirm that the "landmark" business has a highly visible sign which is visible from eye-level when you're walking (and to confirm that the sign is written in Latin alphabet, if it's an international user trying to get directions). Maybe they'll give reduced advertising rates for better signs (e.g. highly contrasting colors, prominently lists the street address, etc.)<p>Apparently they <i>have</i> been busy collecting Street View images for India:
<a href="http://sushubh.net/3539-google-street-view-india" rel="nofollow">http://sushubh.net/3539-google-street-view-india</a>
I am not sure why this is given as "How an Indian" would give directions , that's how we do it here in London as well. No one says "Go Southeast for 0.2 kms" , you are oriented and directed via a well-known landmark.<p>But as a technology this is fantastic.
Looking forward to when this comes to the USA: in Pittsburgh, directions are typically given via landmark, as the road system is beyond chaotic because of the hills, rivers, and the fact that downtown is a triangle.
Assuming its a feature conceptualized and implemented by Indians in Google's India office, its a good example of innovation happening in India that might have a global impact.
Just tried a few directions from my house... This is a huge improvement! Though one could do a slightly better landmark selection but this is awesome...
I live in Bangalore and I have always found that asking Google Maps is way better than asking locals. This tweak is a real bonus improvement over that.
"We found that using landmarks in directions helps for two simple reasons: they are easier to see than street signs and they are easier to remember than street names. Spotting a pink building on a corner or remembering to turn after a gas station is much easier than trying to recall an unfamiliar street name."<p>The Third and Most important reason would be that most of the time, you won't find a board with a road name :). I don't mean it in a bad way, and it has never stopped me from going where I want in india.<p>The best way to find a route in india (and i guess in most of the fdeveloping countries) is to just stop and ask. and if you are in luck, people will even travel with you to show you the place.<p>But wonderful thinking from google. they clearly know what they are doing.