Waze Launches User-Generated Maps for Android

Waze has just launched an alpha for their mapping service, which allows users in San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston to help build road maps while they drive. Not only does GPS integration allow Waze to keep tabs on real-time traffic conditions, but you can also report speed traps, accidents and gas stations for fellow motorists. If that wasn’t cool enough, you can even put new roads on the map that aren’t currently listed, and name them. As with all services that hinge on user-generated content, Waze will only be as good as the people who use it, but if you’re packing an Android handset and are willing to put in a little elbow grease, it could turn out to be a great community. While it’s a neat idea, it would be nice if a system like this could plug into something more publicly available, like Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Maps. Check out Waze’s site to get started.