Currently, speed limits on the map can only be updated by map editors. This process is slow, especially when the main source of information, like Google Street View, is outdated. This leads to inaccurate speed limits or missing data on many road segments.
This suggestion is to add a new reporting option that allows any user to suggest a correction to the speed limit. This would not directly change the speed limit on the map, but it would create a "pending edit" for map editors to review and approve.
How it would work:
A new "Map Issue" report could be introduced, allowing users to report an "Incorrect Speed Limit." When this option is selected, the user would be prompted to press a button at the start of the road segment where the new speed limit sign is located, and another button at the end of the segment where the speed limit changes again. This way, the system can automatically determine the exact length of the segment that needs to be corrected. This report would then be flagged for review by local map editors.
Benefits of this feature:
• Faster updates: Allows for quicker corrections of outdated speed limits, as thousands of users can provide real-time data from the road.
• Improved map accuracy: Ensures that the displayed speed limits are always current and correct, leading to a safer and more reliable navigation experience.
• Empowered community: Gives all Waze users a direct way to contribute to the accuracy of the map, beyond just reporting hazards.
• Reduced workload for editors: Editors would no longer have to manually search for outdated segments. Instead, they would only need to verify and approve user-submitted changes, making their work more efficient.
This feature would bridge the gap between static map data and real-time road conditions, making Waze even more accurate and community-driven.