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  1. #1
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    Anyone understand Google Maps algorithms? (Specific to CO front range)

    I'm curious about why, when driving from Boulder or thereabouts to the I70 mountains, Google Maps on my phone doesn't even offer Highway 6 west from Golden (through Clear Creek Canyon) as an option - it always wants me to take I-70 directly from Golden (over Floyd Hill). I've always thought of Clear Creek as the primary way to get to the mountains, but it's like Google Maps doesn't even realize this route exists, even though it's pretty much the same time and much mellower than I70. I don't even get it as an alternative ("2 minutes longer") option. Anyone encountered this?
    Outlive the bastards - Ed Abbey

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
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    Maybe it’s because you touch yourself?
    Remind me. We'll send him a red cap and a Speedo.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
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    It pops up most of the time for me, but sometimes it recommends I-70. I hope every one else gets the I-70 recommendation to keep the canyon flowing smoothly.

  4. #4
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    Jan 2015
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    My sense is that Google Maps' selection scope is a function of the range of the request. For example, if I'm stuck in traffic on 80 in Vacaville, and I tell Google Maps that I'm trying to get to Truckee, Google Maps will tell me to stay on 80; whereas, if I instead told Google Maps that I was trying to get to Dixon, which happens to be not very far from my location on the way to Truckee, it might actually find me a time-saving detour.

    Thus, it's possible that the canyon in your example isn't actually much quicker; or, it's possible that the scope of your request caused the software to only consider the interstate (though if the interstate was closed, or really really bad, the algorithm would have reached out for alternatives).

    Finally, GM may have insufficient data to recommend the canyon, which would happen if, say, there's poor cell service in the canyon.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
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    Make sure you haven't checked that option that's something like "highways only" or preferred or some such thing.

    Also, keep taking I70. Thanks.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobz View Post
    My sense is that Google Maps' selection scope is a function of the range of the request. For example, if I'm stuck in traffic on 80 in Vacaville, and I tell Google Maps that I'm trying to get to Truckee, Google Maps will tell me to stay on 80; whereas, if I instead told Google Maps that I was trying to get to Dixon, which happens to be not very far from my location on the way to Truckee, it might actually find me a time-saving detour.

    Thus, it's possible that the canyon in your example isn't actually much quicker; or, it's possible that the scope of your request caused the software to only consider the interstate (though if the interstate was closed, or really really bad, the algorithm would have reached out for alternatives).

    Finally, GM may have insufficient data to recommend the canyon, which would happen if, say, there's poor cell service in the canyon.
    I think this is probably the correct answer. I have had GM tell me to take the canyon that pegleg references, but many times I have also had it not even indicate it as an alternate route. Your guess that it's related to the overall request, and that it would recommend it if circumstances were significantly different (when it's much faster) makes sense.
    "fuck off you asshat gaper shit for brains fucktard wanker." - Jesus Christ
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    "everybody's got their hooks into you, fuck em....forge on motherfuckers, drag all those bitches across the goal line with you." - (not so) ill-advised strategy

  7. #7
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    clear creek canyon is like a flagged strava segment
    it's just not safe so it gets flagged and blocked
    all the old people and drunks headed up and down from the casino's make it a dangerous segment

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
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    The Cone of Uncertainty
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    Anyone understand Google Maps algorithms? (Specific to CO front range)

    I think googles route is always what they calculate will take the least time. One problem with that is they don’t figure in things in the future, not even obvious ones like school getting out and buses everywhere causing traffic. It seems straight up based on the current conditions at the second you asked.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
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    Southeast New York
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    It is but it will change while you're enroute due to changing conditions or situations ahead.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
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    Colorado
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    Shut your whore mouth about clear creek canyon. Always better to take Floyd hill, even if google maps said take the canyon, don’t.


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    Quote Originally Posted by Benny Profane View Post
    Keystone is fucking lame. But, deadly.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by iceman View Post
    I think googles route is always what they calculate will take the least time. One problem with that is they don’t figure in things in the future, not even obvious ones like school getting out and buses everywhere causing traffic. It seems straight up based on the current conditions at the second you asked.
    Yep, I've noticed that. Which is why you need to keep an eye on the estimated arrival time, that's your traffic indicator.

    But what pegleg is talking about is different, it doesn't even show the obvious alternate route as an alternate route most of the time.
    "fuck off you asshat gaper shit for brains fucktard wanker." - Jesus Christ
    "She was tossing her bean salad with the vigor of a Drunken Pop princess so I walked out of the corner and said.... "need a hand?"" - Odin
    "everybody's got their hooks into you, fuck em....forge on motherfuckers, drag all those bitches across the goal line with you." - (not so) ill-advised strategy

  12. #12
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    Oct 2008
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    Colorado
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kinnikinnick View Post
    Shut your whore mouth about clear creek canyon. Always better to take Floyd hill, even if google maps said take the canyon, don’t.


    Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums



    Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
    Quote Originally Posted by Benny Profane View Post
    Keystone is fucking lame. But, deadly.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
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    1

    jobs

    You explained in a detailed way. Thanks for the post. I like it.

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