Yes, it can, but: It doesn’t communicate with the GPS satellite, it listens to the GPS satellite. There’s no two-way communication with a GPS satellite. GPS satellites are broadcast-only (like FM radio stations).
This way you can have the default generated map if you like or the satellite view, just like Google Maps does. If Google Maps can use Waze’s alerts, then Waze should be able to use Google’s satellite view images.
If a GPS signal is inaccessible, data from cell towers can be utilized. For this situation, the device gets cell ID information and decides the location of the device-dependent on the station database. This technique is utilized if GPS is inaccessible and that’s why it comes in the list of must-have features of an app like Waze.
What is Waze and how does it work?
Just like Apple Maps, Google Maps or even Citymapper, Waze is a satellite navigation system, but it works differently to other apps on the market. Originally developed by an Israeli company in 2006, Waze was bought out by Google five years ago, and ever since then it’s been the unofficial choice for cabbies, taxis and Ubers the world over.
This is one of the most essential features of an app like Waze since it helps detects the location of a device. All modern smartphones are equipped with GPS chips that gather data about the timing and location that satellites send from space. A cell phone needs data from at least four satellites to decide its location inside around 60 feet.
How many users does Waze have?
At present, Waze has over 110 million monthly active users and its estimated annual revenue is over $37.7M. Such an impressive growth story is worth studying for not only the new entrants in the category but also the established businesses around the world.
Google, being the world’s leader when it comes to maps, didn’t just found Waze’s navigation system fascinating for making such strong purchase, the real essence lies in the expanding popularity of Waze application.
As per Statista, Waze is the second most popular mapping app in the US, in terms of number of monthly users. Such an impressive number of monthly unique users make the case study of “Waze” worth-studying.