Avid players of "Pokemon Go" might notice a slight change in their overworld map when they log in to the game. Apparently, "Pokemon Go" has now switched their map source from Google Maps to OpenStreetMap (OSM), an open source, editable mapping project.
No statement has been released on the switch, but it has caused certain changes on the map when the switch became effective on Nov. 30. To some players, their overworld maps have now gotten more detailed, while some complained that their map became blank.
With OSM, players can edit and fix any inconsistencies in the map in "Pokemon Go." The results are immediate, unlike in Google Maps where players have to wait for an update to the current map version before any additional or removed details can take effect.
However, OSM is not perfect. While players can find more details on the map unlike the Google Maps version, there are those who live in places unmapped by OSM, meaning those players can experience a low quality on their maps. Although it can be edited, it is time-consuming and even frustrating to players affected.
The change has not taken effect at the same time globally. The first countries to experience the change are in Europe and Japan, while the States followed soon after.
Regardless, the changing of the overworld map's source is quite a big update, yet Niantic has not released a statement regarding the issue. Since "Pokemon Go" is free-to-play, the game is eligible for Google's free plan to use their API, so the reason for the switch is still inconclusive.
In other news, Nov. 30 is also the last day to catch Entei, Raikou, and Suicune – Legendary Pokemon monsters which used to be available to catch in exclusive regions. Starting Dec. 1, those who have not gotten the chance to catch the aforementioned Legendaries will most likely never have the chance again, as they are now removed from the game.
However, it is important to note that trainer has still access to one Legendary-type Pokemon, even with the removal of those three.
