Online Maps And Their Role In Accidents: Is This A Wake-up Call?

As the fog season in north India is drawing near it becomes imperative to bring forth the topic of map accuracy and dependence for most drivers who may be impacted. As we know online mapping services like Google Maps, Apple Maps, MapMyIndia, and Ola Maps have become indispensable for millions of Indians navigating the country's complex transportation networks. These platforms promise convenience and efficiency but have also been implicated in several tragic accidents due to data inaccuracies. Despite their global success, the lack of a robust and unified mapping framework in India exacerbates risks, highlighting an urgent need for accurate, real-time updates and enhanced self-regulation among mapping service providers.

Several high-profile accidents in India have drawn attention to the dangers posed by outdated or inaccurate mapping data. For example, in November 2024, three men tragically lost their lives in Maharashtra when directed by a navigation app onto an unfinished bridge, causing their vehicle to plunge into a river. This incident underscores the grave consequences of incomplete mapping updates. In another case from early 2024 in Madhya Pradesh, a car collided with a train after being routed to an unmarked railway crossing near a construction site. The absence of timely hazard alerts played a significant role in this accident. Similarly, a dangerous detour in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, in Nov. 2024 resulted in a severe accident when a vehicle was directed onto a partially constructed bypass. These incidents reveal critical gaps in data accuracy and the urgent need for collaboration between mapping platforms and local authorities to prevent such tragedies.

India’s geospatial landscape has evolved with policies like the 2021 Geospatial Data Guidelines, which liberalised the sector to encourage private innovation. These guidelines enable companies to develop, publish, and update maps, fostering competition and innovation. The Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC) has been established to promote the use of geospatial data, collaborate with private companies like MapMyIndia and global platforms such as Google and Apple, and set standards for mapping accuracy and data integration. However, despite these initiatives, the absence of a unified framework mandating timely updates and safety benchmarks leaves significant gaps. Self-regulation and proactive collaboration among private players remain crucial to addressing these challenges.

Globally, mapping platforms have implemented measures to enhance accuracy and safety. Google Maps collaborates with cities worldwide to provide live updates on road closures and hazards, as seen in New York and San Francisco. Apple Maps emphasises hyper-local accuracy by integrating AI-driven insights and real-time traffic data in cities like London. Waze relies on community-sourced updates, effectively reducing navigation risks through real-time user contributions. Adopting similar practices in India could significantly improve road safety and navigation reliability.

To bridge the gaps in India’s mapping ecosystem, self-regulation among platforms is essential. Collaborations with government agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and local bodies can provide dynamic updates on construction, traffic, and hazards. AI-driven systems can enhance safety by accounting for seasonal hazards, rural road quality, and ongoing construction zones. Engaging with local communities to incorporate hyperlocal data ensures maps accurately reflect regional conditions and cultural nuances. Introducing user-driven reporting mechanisms for inaccuracies and hazards builds a participatory ecosystem for map improvements.

Accurate mapping not only saves lives but also improves emergency response times. Real-time updates can prevent users from being directed to incomplete or unsafe routes, avoiding incidents like those in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Accurate mapping also enables emergency services to reach accident sites more quickly, saving lives and reducing response times. Reliable maps encourage users to provide feedback, creating a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement.

Modern map-making combines traditional cartography with advanced technologies, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, old contour maps, and data from vehicle or human-mounted 360-degree cameras and LiDAR sensors. High-end DGPS systems establish accurate coordinates within a few meters. Data enrichment involves adding road names, infrastructure details, and points of interest through surveys, crowdsourcing, and existing datasets. Some platforms create 3D maps or indoor navigation systems, linking walking directions with outdoor maps. Maintaining real-time updates on traffic, diversions, and road conditions remains the most challenging aspect, separating leaders from laggards in the industry.

Government bodies like the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) play a pivotal role in ensuring data reliability by providing timely updates on road infrastructure projects. A stronger partnership between MoRTH and mapping platforms can enhance data accuracy. The GDPDC should enforce stricter guidelines and safety benchmarks, ensuring that mapping platforms adhere to high standards. Recognising and rewarding organisations that achieve superior accuracy and safety standards can encourage continuous innovation.
Similar incidents have occurred globally, emphasising the need for cautious use of navigation apps. For instance, in 2024, three brothers in the United States died after driving off an unfinished bridge in Utah while following Google Maps directions. In Brazil in 2022, a tourist couple drove into a lake due to incorrect navigation. In Australia in 2021, a driver stranded on a remote, dangerous road followed misleading directions. These cases highlight the importance of robust safety measures and user awareness.

Emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and hyperlocal mapping have immense potential to revolutionize navigation. Innovations such as predictive algorithms for traffic congestion, integration of IoT sensors, and augmented reality navigation can address current limitations and enhance user safety.

While India has made strides in liberalising its geospatial sector, the lack of a comprehensive mapping framework poses significant risks. By adopting global best practices, collaborating with local stakeholders, and leveraging advanced technologies, mapping platforms can transform navigation into a safer, more reliable experience. Accurate, real-time maps are not just tools for convenience—they are lifesaving resources. Through self-regulation and collaboration, the mapping industry can ensure tragedies caused by outdated data become a thing of the past.

Saurabh Rai

Guest Author Saurabh Rai is the CEO of Arahas Technologies. He has over 20 years of experience in map making. He has worked for all global mapping companies in different capacities and is a thought leader in GIS.