Google Maps

[Ratsima]

A few weeks ago I posted some stuff about our habit of always getting lost when we drive in Bangkok, even when using Google Maps navigation. The advice was to follow the Google instructions, but that doesn't always work.

This morning we were in Jomtien where my wife needed to visit a site about 10K south. We headed south on Sukhumvit (Hwy 3). At one point we needed to make a u-turn to reach our destination. Google said something like, "In 200 meters make a u-turn." So, my wife maneuvered over to the far right lane ready to make a u-turn. Google gave no further instructions and there were no u-turn signs on the highway. Turns out this was not a right lane u-turn, but a left lane under-the-bridge u-turn. Too late. We missed it.

So, proceeding south Google said to make a right turn in 200 meters. No indication either by Google or highway signs whether the upcoming u-turn was a right lane or left lane u-turn. Having been burned once, we guessed left and were correct. It was an unmarked under-the-bridge u-turn.

After visiting the site we continued north on Suk hoping to get on M7 for the drive back to Korat. At one point Google told us to "keep right at the fork", which we did. Next instruction was "make a right turn from any lane". Since the far right lane was congested, my wife got into the lane to the left of the far right lane. Too bad. Google was wrong. You can only make a right turn from the far right lane, not from "any lane". Luckily, my wife worked up enough courage to move her way, Thai style, into the right lane so we could get on to the road leading to M7.

After about 4K that road forked. No highway sign told us which of the forks was headed to M7. Google was silent. No, "keep right at the fork". What now? We guessed right and once again lucked out. Right was the right way to go.

And this is generally the way it goes. You think you're OK, but you're not. Not at all.

Normally my wife is a very level headed person who rarely gets angry and almost never shows it. This time she went ballistic. This was both a good thing and a bad thing.

I can't wait until next time.

[joelle]

/\ maybe you could try Waze app, been very accurate for us over the last few months

[Ratsima]

/\ maybe you could try Waze app, been very accurate for us over the last few months

I have used Waze in the past and liked it, but it seemed to be a horrible battery hog on my iPhone so I went back to Google Maps. I'll try again.

[Big Boy]

A big problem I often have is just starting my Journeys, and the instruction is e.g. Head North or Head South. I find myself sat in a strange town, and never have a clue which way is North, South, East or West. A 50/50 chance of getting it right or wrong.

[joelle]

A big problem I often have is just starting my Journeys, and the instruction is e.g. Head North or Head South. I find myself sat in a strange town, and never have a clue which way is North, South, East or West. A 50/50 chance of getting it right or wrong.

same for me

[PeteC]

Look at the sun (if it's out) and your watch. All will be revealed.

[Nereus]

Look at the sun (if it's out) and your watch. All will be revealed.

Just don't do that around lunch time, or you will go around in circles!

[PeteC]

Actually my IPhone has a compass. I'm sure Samsung and all/most brands do.

[sateeb]

One thing our American cousins have on us is the ability to differentiate NSEandW

[Big Boy]

Actually my IPhone has a compass. I'm sure Samsung and all/most brands do.

My Samsung phone has a compass now. Unfortunately, when I put it on, I get the message:

Unfortunately it looks like your device doesn't nave the necessary sensors for the compass to function correctly.

[HHTel]

Google maps shows a compass. At least it does on mine.

[HHTel]

I think there's only been 2 occasions that Google maps has let me down. It's served me well. However the funniest instruction I had recently on the way to Nongkhai - "IN ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX KILOMETERS KEEP RIGHT AT THE FORK!"

[Big Boy]

Google maps shows a compass. At least it does on mine.

I guess your device has the necessary sensors, and it then displays automatically. That doesn't help us poor people who can't afford the latest phones, which in Thailand should be the majority of the population.

[HHTel]

Haha. I bought my phone in 2017 so not quite the latest!

[Suua]

Army Knife.jpg (32.47 KiB) Viewed 4670 times

Not sure if this will work for you.....but this has a few useful tools including a compass.
There are many compass apps out there.....