the sad state of address search in maps

Something I started doing about 16 years ago in the late-2000s is using direct GPS coordinates to get to places. Why? Address search sucked. It's not that the address couldn't be located, but rather the place I was directed to was incorrect.

Sometimes the destination was a little incorrect by putting me on the wrong side of the street. Other times it was really wrong by putting me over a block away from where I wanted to be. For example, in large shopping mall areas that take up acres of space, I don't want to be directed to the mall entrance. Rather, I want to be sent directly to the store entrance. Big difference.

I learned early on that the only thing that really works 100% of the time is using coordinates, so that's what I've been using for over 15 years. However, the way I do it these days has changed slightly.

Above is what happens when I punch in coordinates to my Garmin DriveSmart 66. This actually can be done using any Garmin made since 2007, but the DS66 is what I use currently.

Old school way from the late 2000s: Go to Google Maps, bring up satellite view, search for where I want to go, right-click the map, get coordinates, punch that into the Garmin, go. This old school way can still be used.

Modern way: Use the phone, load up Google Maps, bring up satellite view, search for where I want to go, long press to get coordinates, punch that into the Garmin, go.

I do not use my phone to navigate with because I don't want to deal with "GPS signal lost" with a phone - which happens a lot.

What's the sad part?

You would think that all these years later that address search would be totally fixed and perfected. I'm not talking about the Garmin but rather online address searching. There should be no such thing as incorrect address listings with online maps.

Well, that's not the case.

I am still using GPS coordinates to get exactly where I want to go because online address search is still bad.

If there's a brand new apartment building that was just opened fewer than 90 days ago, sure, I can understand that not being listed in the maps yet. But if it's existed longer than 90 days, units have been rented out and there are people living there, there's no excuse for that building not to be listed in the online address database. None whatsoever.

For business listings (and those usually take priority over residential listings), yeah I've encountered some from online address search where the entrance is in the completely wrong spot. I have to check, double check, use satellite view, use Street Views, use alternate map sites and so on just to get the right place so I can get those coordinates.

Why do coordinates always work?

Coordinates are an absolute, and that's why they work. A set of coordinates is an exact position. I can use coordinates so precise that it could lead me directly to a parking space. Yes, it's that accurate.

If you're sick of online address search getting it wrong, use GPS coordinates and it will be right. It takes extra effort, but it's totally worth it. Better to put in the effort instead of being led around in circles trying to find a location.

Published 2024 Jul 9