Google Maps just got a big upgrade — what you need to know

Google Maps merely got a big upgrade — what you lot need to know

(Image credit: BigTunaOnline/Shutterstock)

Information technology'southward difficult to imagine a fourth dimension when we didn't accept instant access to Google Maps when getting around, only information technology's easy to forget that it isn't perfect. Which is why nosotros're looking forwards to this latest update.

Google Maps now offers a lot more than street details to better correspond how streets look in real life and makes it easier for you to go around. The downside is that it's currently only available in four places: New York, San Francisco, Central London, and Primal Tokyo.

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These features were starting time announced concluding yr, with some details making their fashion to the Google Maps Beta at the get-go of December. Back then the details only included smaller things similar crosswalks and traffic lights, whereas today Google has added a lot more than useful things like roadside vegetation, more than accurate road shapes, pedestrian islands, and other smaller features.

But the benefits don't end with simple visual cues, because these features also come with added accessibility information. Wheelchair and stroller access are marked on maps likewise, as are obstacles like stairs.

In other words, for a pedestrian navigating these four cities, any your circumstances, yous now take a lot more useful information to help you get around hands and efficiently.

google maps beta — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

It's worth mentioning that not all these details are universally bachelor right now. London and Tokyo don't evidence any traffic lights, for example. No doubt this is down to Google not having plenty information at the time of writing, similar to how the whole update is restricted to a small handful of cities.

The update relies on Google collecting enough relevant data from each metropolis. And then the sheer size of them means you can't expect these details to exist made available everywhere at the same time.

Just if you do find yourself in these four cities, this is all going to be incredibly useful stuff to have on your telephone screen. The more y'all know about your environment, the less stressful you're going to find navigating an area you're completely unfamiliar with.

The best function is this is a server-side update, which means you don't have to practise anything. Simply load up whatever version of Google Maps you desire to use and everything news volition be there already.

Tom is the Tom's Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can usually be found knee deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. Information technology's long manner from his days as editor of Gizmodo Great britain, when pretty much everything was on the table. He'south usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego fix onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he actually needs online.