Google adding some new outdoor features to indoor maps

The covid-19 pandemic brought a lot of changes to the Google Maps platform, allowing the people to know the status of a location and how one can safely travel avoiding those areas. Since people have started traveling, Google is all set to bring in some new set of features that will make the Maps platform a lot more useful for them. On Tuesday, Google announced that the Maps users will be able to take advantage of Live View in certain indoor locations, including airports, transit stations, and malls. The option was previously available for Maps users only for Outdoors. 

As per the official statement from Google, “If you’re catching a plane or train, Live View can help you find the nearest elevator and escalators, your gate, platform, baggage claim, check-in counters, ticket office, restrooms, ATMs, and more. Arrows and accompanying directions will point you the right way. And if you need to pick something up from the mall, use Live View to see what floor a store is on and how to get there so you can get in and out in a snap.” The feature will be available to users on both Android and iOS and can be used in malls in Chicago, Long Island, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle. Google will be adding many more cities to the same in the future with select airports, malls, and transit stations in Tokyo and Zurich in the coming months. 

Apart from this, there is a weather layer to see forecasted and current conditions, and Google will also provide travel advisory based on the weather conditions. It will also show the air quality of the area along with more eco-friendly ways to travel. Google said that “With insights from the U.s. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab, we’re building a new routing model that optimizes for lower fuel consumption based on factors like road incline and traffic congestion.” Google is also planning on bringing shopping information to Business Profiles and Search, including delivery providers, pickup and delivery windows, fees, and order minimums. The feature will soon roll out initially on mobile Search with Instacart and Albertsons stores in the U.S.

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