Here I Am

I wrote on April 12, 2016 about the problem of having an Uber or Ola cab meet me when I am standing somewhere in a big, crowded city. Visit http://newstudentresearch.blogspot.in/2016/04/city-location-codes-clcs.html

It looks like there is a solution at hand. Google maps have introduced a “Parked here” mechanism using which I can mark a place on a map and add a note to it, like “In front of Namdhari Shop, on the same side of the road”. I can then send a message to someone sharing this information. The note I add in text form is also shared.

Imagine creating a similar facility for use by app-based cab operators. When I book a vehicle, I ought to be able to send my location information along with my noting in textual form. Once the cab is allocated to me, I should be able to see it on my map marked clearly to distinguish it from other vehicles.

Google has created a “Plus Code” to mark locations on the map. While apps can use it, it is not designed for the convenience of human users. The code looks like an arbitrary string of characters and is difficult to remember. Despite its drawbacks, I suspect that this code is going to see considerable use in future.

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