The list of differences between Google Maps and Waze has always been small and is about to get even smaller. Google previously announced that both apps would begin sharing more data, and it appears that promise has been kept.

As spotted on Reddit, Google Maps has begun flashing a pop-up reporting the incident, with a note that it is from a Waze user. In this case, it was the police, and Google Maps was asking if the police were still there, a feature Google Maps has offered for some time.

Incident reporting is one of the few things Waze regularly does better than Google Maps. Earlier this year, Google Maps' reporting system was even overhauled to look more like Waze. With a service built around crowdsourced data, user input can be incorporated to create a better experience for everyone. The more accidents that are reported, the easier it will be for Waze to reroute people to avoid traffic jams.

Not surprisingly, Waze's accident reporting has also been upgraded to make it easier for drivers to report problems using their voice. This allows drivers to keep their attention on the road and not be bothered by cell phone screens or car display menus.

Making all incoming data available to Google Maps users will make the driving experience better for everyone. However, it is only natural that Waze should have access to the Google Maps data archive; there have been many times when Waze has tried to take me down roads that my car couldn't go down, and I'm sure it's not the first time that Waze has tried to take me down a road that my car couldn't go down.

If Google Maps data can prevent me from being fined for driving on bus-only roads, I'm all for it.

I hope to see Waze functionality added to Google Maps in the future. So don't expect Waze's unique and aggressive navigation system to appear in Google Maps anytime soon.

Of course, Waze is still the app to use if you are content to be put through the most random and seemingly inconvenient route imaginable just to save a few seconds off your ETA.