I am building a map-like interface and there will be several actions user will be able to perform on objects. For clarity lets assume I want to click on point A and select an action to navigate to point B - like in Google Maps.
I was planing to use a radial navigation that you guys praised for speed and usability and if I am right radial menu that pops up around selected object can be regarded as direct manipulation interface.
But Google is not using direct manipulation in it's latest redesign of it's map app - neither on desktop nor on touch devices.
I assume there are situations when classic unassociated menu is better than direct manipulation. Why did Google decide the way it did? How do I decide? Should I copy Google for the sake of familiarity or should I use radial menu around selected object to embrace direct manipulation?
Any advice is welcome.