H3 is Uber's open-source grid system for efficiently indexing and analyzing location data. It uses a hierarchical grid of hexagons, offering a more uniform and distortion-free representation of the Earth's surface compared to traditional latitude/longitude grids. This allows for consistent spatial analysis, as hexagons have equal area and more uniform edge lengths. H3 provides functions for indexing locations, finding neighbors, measuring distances, and performing other geospatial operations, facilitating applications like ride sharing, trip analysis, and urban planning. The system is designed for performance and scalability, enabling efficient processing of large geospatial datasets.
Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service is now available on the Uber app in Austin, Texas. This expansion offers Uber users the option to hail a fully autonomous ride, powered by Waymo's fifth-generation Waymo Driver, in select central areas of the city. Initially, rides will be provided in a "rider-only" configuration with no human driver present, but future plans include testing rides with a trained vehicle operator. This partnership builds on previous collaborations between Waymo and Uber in Phoenix and San Francisco.
HN commenters are generally positive about the Waymo-Uber partnership, viewing it as a pragmatic and beneficial move for both companies. Some express surprise, given the prior contentious lawsuit between them, but see this as a sign of maturity and a focus on customer benefit. Several commenters highlight the potential for increased competition and innovation in the autonomous vehicle space, leading to better service and wider availability for consumers. A few raise concerns about potential monopolies forming and the long-term implications for drivers, but the overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism about the collaboration. Several commenters also speculate about the technical and logistical challenges of integrating the two systems, and question the specifics of the revenue sharing model.
Summary of Comments ( 27 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43305920
Hacker News users discussed the practical applications and limitations of H3, Uber's hexagonal hierarchical geospatial indexing system. Several commenters pointed out existing similar systems like S2 Geometry, questioning H3's advantages and expressing concern over vendor lock-in. The distortion inherent in projecting a sphere onto a hex grid was also raised, with discussion about the impact on analysis and potential inaccuracies. While some appreciated H3's ease of use and visualization features, others emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying math and potential pitfalls of any such system. Some users highlighted niche applications, like ride-sharing and logistics, where H3's features might be particularly beneficial, while others discussed its potential in areas like environmental monitoring and urban planning. The overall sentiment leaned towards cautious interest, acknowledging H3's potential while emphasizing the need for careful consideration of its limitations and comparison with existing alternatives.
The Hacker News post about Uber's H3, a hexagonal hierarchical geospatial indexing system, sparked a lively discussion with several compelling comments.
Several users discussed the trade-offs between hexagonal grids and other approaches like S2 Geometry Library, another discrete global grid system. One user pointed out that H3's simpler API and focus on ease of use makes it attractive, while acknowledging S2's more robust mathematical foundation and potentially higher accuracy. Another commenter highlighted the importance of choosing the right tool for the specific application, suggesting that H3's strengths lie in its simplicity and speed, while S2 might be preferred for tasks requiring precise geometric calculations. The discussion explored the nuances of aperture 3 versus aperture 4 hexagons in S2, touching upon the trade-off between index size and shape distortion.
Another thread explored the practical applications of H3, with users sharing their experiences using it for ride-sharing analysis, logistics optimization, and even ecological research. One commenter mentioned using H3 for visualizing and analyzing large geospatial datasets, praising its efficiency in handling complex queries. Another discussed the challenges of working with irregularly shaped geographical areas and how H3 can help simplify these problems.
Several users delved into the technical details of H3, discussing topics like indexing resolution, coordinate systems, and the hierarchical nature of the grid. One commenter pointed out the potential issues with distortion at higher latitudes and how H3 addresses this challenge. Another discussed the importance of understanding the limitations of any discrete grid system and the need to carefully consider the specific requirements of the application.
The discussion also touched upon the open-source nature of H3 and its community support. Users expressed appreciation for Uber's contribution to the open-source geospatial community and the active development of the H3 library.
Overall, the comments section provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about H3 and its applications. The discussion highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the system, offering practical insights from users with real-world experience. It also underscores the importance of choosing the right geospatial indexing system based on the specific needs of the project.