China is home to the world’s oldest surviving civilization and one of the largest countries on the planet. From its stunning natural landmarks like the Great Wall of China to its hyper efficient cities, the country offers a wealth of unique experiences that have delighted travelers from far and wide. Provided one knows how to navigate around swiftly and safely, of course. Navigating in China can be difficult as the roads and infrastructure are constantly shifting and evolving due to the rapid development in the country. But, like many things in life, advances in technology are making life easier, with different digital maps for different traveling needs.
The use of foreign digital maps, especially Google Maps, has been rising in China over the last few years, with new tools allowing users to gain access to the latest information, including online navigation and consumer-manipulated content. According to a study by the American Chamber of Commerce in China, over half of the people surveyed said they rely on Google Maps for travel purposes. And with over one billion users worldwide, Google Maps remains the most popular mapping service in the world.
China has yet to embrace foreign maps such as Google Maps with the same enthusiasm as other countries. Through the rise of “governing the internet” policies, China restricts or blocks access to certain foreign websites and applications, such as Google, on certain platforms. This is due to a number of reasons, including conflicts with Chinese laws and regulations such as censorship measures, the protection of personal data of its citizens, and the government’s need to control foreign information on the internet.
Nevertheless, Chinese citizens and expatriates alike are increasingly using digital mapping services — including those offered by companies such as AutoNavi and Baidu — to guide them through their travels. These two companies are China’s own digital mapping giants, with AutoNavi leading the industry with a 62.2% share of China’s online mapping services market. By way of comparison, Google Maps holds a paltry 1.3% share in the same market.
Chinese mapping services offer virtual maps complete with up-to-date and accurate information on locations, landmarks, highways, and more. Plus, these services are available in multiple languages, including English and Mandarin. As such, travelers can benefit from features such as voice guidance, traffic information, carpool service, bicycle services, and restaurant recommendations. Beyond that, many of them allow travelers to post reviews for restaurants or attractions, creating an authentic, on-the-ground crowd-sourced platform.
Unique Features of Maps in China
In China, digital maps provide useful features that are often lacking with Google Maps. For example, riders of China’s increasingly popular bike-sharing services can use the bike-sharing feature on Chinese maps to not only find nearby docking stations but also locate available bikes for hire. Additionally, the mapping services offered in China can be used to locate public restrooms, something that cannot be easily found on Google Maps. Moreover, most Chinese digital maps have built-in augmented reality mode that allows users to view buildings and landmarks in 3D, providing a more detailed view of the surroundings.
In terms of navigation, most Chinese digital maps display comprehensive information about walking routes, similar to Google Maps, but some go a step further to also detail the logistics for motor vehicles like boats and planes. This can be incredibly useful for travelers who wish to chart a route based on different forms of transportation.
Users of digital maps in China can also tailor their map views based on their personal needs. For instance, if you are looking for vegetarian restaurants, you can filter your search to include only vegetarian restaurants in the vicinity. Many digital maps have built-in search engine which allows users to type in what they are looking for in the vicinity and get the results displayed on the map. In fact, many Digital maps in China also come with translation capability to help travelers who are not familiar with the local language.
One of the main advantages of many digital maps in China over Google Maps is the ability to navigate even when offline. This is especially useful for those travelling remote areas that may not have an internet connection. On the other hand, Google Maps requires an internet connection to be able to work and to navigate. The feature is crucial for travelers who are trekking in and out of areas that have an unreliable cell network.
Moreover, many Chinese digital maps offer turn-by-turn navigation, while Google Maps is an estimated route only. This means Google Maps will often estimate how much time it will take to get to the destination, and will usually err on the side of caution when telling you how long it will take.
Last but not least, Google Maps only provides scant information about public transportation, whereas Chinese digital maps are much more thorough. Most Chinese digital maps offer detailed public transportation routes, including information on the stations, fares, and time taken to get from one station to another. This makes navigation on public transport much easier and efficient when travelling around China.
Legal Issues Surrounding Maps in China
Given the restrictions around foreign mapping services in China, the legality of using such services needs to be considered. Firstly, many of the details found on foreign mapping services cannot be legally used in China, so travelers should always bear this in mind. Furthermore, the use of certain remote sensing technologies, such as aerial cameras and drones, is heavily regulated due to the potential for espionage and the spread of sensitive information.
For instance, Google Maps may be blocked at times for certain parts of China. While the service may legally be used in the country, it is subject to change or block due to its foreign ownership and the need of Chinese authorities to protect certain geographical data.
Finally, while Google Maps may be more reliable for foreign travelers, the data found on Chinese digital maps may be more up to date, as they are maintained and updated more frequently. Foreign travelers should bear in mind that data accuracy is often lacking on Google Maps, which can lead to misdirection and ultimately, missed destinations.
User Experience between Maps for Traveling in China vs Google Maps
At the end of the day, the most important factor when picking a digital mapping service is user experience. Even though Google Maps has some features that are lacking on top China-based services, the user experience on Chinese maps is often quicker and easier. The interface is easier to read and navigate, and the user does not need to be online in order to use the service, making navigation in cities like Beijing and Shanghai much simpler.
On the other hand, Google Maps lacks the detailed public transit information and reviews that can be helpful in finding restaurants and attractions. Also, the user experience on Google Maps can be inconsistent at times due to the lack of updates and accuracy of data. As such, the best option for travelers will depend on their individual needs and preferences.
Restrictions on Maps in China
Nevertheless, it is important to understand that using maps in China is subject to certain restrictions due to the country’s Internet policies and regulations. As a consequence, foreign mapping services like Google Maps are likely to remain blocked or heavily restricted, while the local mapping services in the country are expected to gain more prominence over time.
Mapping services in China are no longer just useful for navigation purposes. They are increasingly being used for more specialty purposes such as bike sharing and search engine optimization. It can even be used for real estate purposes, allowing users to quickly identify properties in their area. As such, it is important to familiarize oneself with the features and benefits of a particular Chinese digital mapping service before hitting the road.
Knowledgeable users can also find valuable insights from maps in China by analyzing data such as traffic patterns and popular attractions. This can be useful when planning itineraries as well as when designing effective marketing campaigns. As such, using China-based digital maps can be a great way to make the most out of a travel experience.
New Opportunities with Maps in China
Digital maps in China are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their user-friendly features and detailed mapping services. They are a great alternative for foreign travelers to get around the country quickly and safely, while also providing local businesses an opportunity to market their services and reach out to new customers.
More advanced services such as Augmented Reality and 3D mapping are also being integrated into digital maps. This opens up the possibility for developers to create innovative applications and experiences, such as virtual tours and interactive museum exhibits. As a result, digital maps in China are becoming increasingly valuable for businesses of all kinds.
Companies should also be aware of the potential risks and opportunities associated with using digital maps in China. As the policies surrounding foreign mapping services remain extremely restrictive, any potential investment could be subject to frequent changes in the country’s regulatory and legal environment.
Conclusion
With the help of digital maps, travelers in China can easily navigate their way around and access useful information about local attractions, transportation, and businesses. While Google Maps may be preferred by many foreign travelers due to its familiarity, local mapping services in China provide more reliable data as well as unique features such as offline navigation and augmented reality.
For businesses, digital maps in China provide numerous opportunities for marketing and innovation. However, it is important to understand the legal and political regulations that may affect the use of foreign mapping services so as to make the most out of a digital mapping experience.
