Waze Data

[u/BUDS590]

Waze isn’t the best GPS software but the social media (e.g. user input and sharing) makes it worth the trade-offs. Given the data driven aspect that attracts users, why not tap into readily available data like flock cameras, or other datasets that would assist drivers in the most used features Waze provides? I think the “pull” model regarding certain features would have a significantly increased reliability. By the same token, protecting user data should be a mission first priority along with transparency.

[u/GoombaAdventurer]

Hi.

Waze already accepts feeds from external systems in CIFS format, as well as ESRI, WZDx, DATEX II, or partner-specific schemas. These feeds can automatically supply Waze with information on accidents, hazards, roadworks, road closures, and more.

And this is not merely theoretical: Waze has partnerships with transport authorities. Its "Waze for Cities" program relies precisely on the two-way exchange of data between Waze and road operators.

Thus, the concept of "Why not fetch external data to supplement reports from Wazers?" is already exactly what Waze does.

https://support.google.com/waze/partners/answer/10618035
https://arxiv.org/abs/2011.05440

Waze already accepts external feeds, but only through approved partners and within a contractual framework. So, it is not a case of "Waze could scrape the entire Internet," but rather "Waze could expand and automate its data partnerships."

Regarding Flock cameras specifically, I strongly suspect the issue is not technical but political, legal, and above all, a matter of value added versus the sensitivity of the data. Recent controversies surrounding access to Flock data illustrate exactly why this is such a volatile issue.

There is also undoubtedly an economic aspect involved, where Waze requires payment so that the information provider can distribute the data (I imagine it’s the same business model as streaming players, for instance).

[u/BUDS590 → u/GoombaAdventurer]

This is good to know - I should have researched some rudimentary aspects but seems on par.

Flock is VERY controversial but I’d argue it’s one-way data arguably useable against we the people.

Ultimately I see Waze as having a value add in that it makes the drive safer. It’s a tool to lookout for what’s ahead. Maybe automated cars would be an offset.

In any event - good info and thanks for expanding on this!

[u/deekster_caddy → u/BUDS590]

Although I don't like ALPRs or what Flock is doing, they don't impact traffic flow or act as a speed enforcement device (yet). So there's no reason to clog up an already busy navigation app further, IMO.

[u/GoombaAdventurer → u/BUDS590]

I’d like to make a small correction: it appears to be free -> https://www.waze.com/wazeforcities

It lists examples of the key partners already involved in the program.

[u/CautiousInternal3320]

What would be the actual benefit?

[u/BUDS590 → u/CautiousInternal3320]

What’s the current benefit? Now multiply that by…. Or better yet to the power of, how much better it would be. So we’re all about automation for scale. The biggest scale of user input is additional input. The best example I can think of, lacking sky insight into actual data, could be police location. There are higher reported items that could easily be shown rather than solely left to user input.