Google Maps is already starting to take advantage of its acquisition of the popular social mapping service app Waze by offering users access to crowd sourced traffic reports as well as satellite imagery.
Google purchased Waze for $1.03 billion, according to Mashable, just two months ago after talks between Facebook and Waze fell through due to location disputes. It was announced on Tuesday that the two companies are already sharing data. Users of Google Maps will now be able to see details about traffic jams, accident reports, construction, police stops and road closures. Google Maps users can now submit traffic related information directly to the app for the benefit of other users in the area. This is a feature that Waze has been offering for quite some time, but the recognition of Google Maps and their up-to-date mapping service, will bring both services to a whole new level.
The feature for Google Maps, however, will update in real time and work for both Android and iOS devices. When a user in Waze updates the app with real-time traffic information, users of the Google Maps service will be able to see these updates on their mobile device. The service will work in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Switzerland, the U.K. and U.S.
Meanwhile, there is a trade-off between the two apps. While Google Maps users will be able to see real-time traffic updates, Waze users will benefit from Google Search options when navigating. This will allow them to search for businesses and local addresses directly from the Waze app, a feature not previously available.
According to an official blog post from Google, the company announced the Waze Map Editor will also feature Google Street View satellite imagery. Google has said this will help "to build out the map and make it easier to correct map errors reported by the community."
