Apple Maps vs Google Maps: Barcelona Case (Transit Layer) Jordi Follow Feb 17 · 3 min read

Apple recently updated their Transit Maps layer in several locations around Europe, mainly France, Germany and Spain. In this update users can now clearly see the current Public Transport lines (trains, trams, metro etc) of their cities and also get accurate directions. This was definitely one the most awaited updates within the EU users.

We all know Google Maps is one of the leading Maps services, and millions use them in their daily lives on their iPhones. For many reasons it is a great Maps service, wether you are looking for a restaurant, museum or trendy shop and even for walking or driving directions it works pretty well.

My experience using Maps services is that I mainly need them for saving cool places I wanna visit or I have already visited and also to guide me with Public Transport directions. I rarely use walking/driving directions in the city of Barcelona.

Due to my specific use, I decided to compare both Apple and Google maps services with Transit directions.

I took a few screenshots of a typical scenario for a person visiting Barcelona for their first time and using Maps services on their computer for planning their trip.

I used Google Maps on Safari and Apple Maps native Mac app. These were taken Monday 17/02/20.

First image: Google Maps showing Barcelona City centre and the Public Transport layer.

You clearly see the main streets and areas, but the Public Transport lines are really messy… Even the central Plaça Catalunya Station is missing.

Second image: Apple Maps version.

Uncluttered, easy to read and accurate. The lines are differentiated with colours and little icons indicating the Lines Numbers. There are exactly the same colours and iconography used by the Barcelona Transport Authority (TMB).

This clearly shows the level of detail, dedication and user-centered design Apple is working on with their Maps service.

I could go on and on showing several other scenarios where Apple Maps is way more focused on giving a great level of information without compromising readability and easy-to-use interface.

The data in this maps is still from third-party providers, so I cannot imagine how good this Transport Layer will look when Apple’s own map data is live in Barcelona (and the rest of Europe).

Let me know your thoughts below!