The new and not so new features on Google maps

A new feature on Google Maps is set to roll out later this year.  It goes by the name Immersive View and improves Street View, taking it to a more advanced level. By using billions of photographs that model buildings and trees in 3D it enables you to actually experience what a particular restaurant, neighborhood or a popular tourist attraction is like before you actually get there. In the same way you can enjoy Grande Vegas casino bonuses without having to be physically present to receive them.- features on Google maps

How will Immersive View work?

Anything you want to learn about a place, perhaps a neighborhood that you’ve never been to but are interested in visiting, Immersive View can help you get to know the place. For example, if you are planning to visit a city, New York for example, with Immersive View you can see attractions, restaurants and whole neighborhoods as if you are already in the city.

With Immersive View you can also experience what the particular city looks like at a specific time of day or even time of year, in terms of weather conditions.  It also allows you to learn about the areas you would like to spend time in or those you would rather avoid.  Being able to actually see inside restaurants and feel out the atmosphere is a huge plus, deciding beforehand whether it suits what you are looking for. It will also be possible to get local traffic information.

When can we expect to see Immersive View in Google Maps?

Later this year Immersive View will be available in the cities of Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, London and Tokyo but no specific date has been set. At a later date Immersive view will be available in other locations.

Immersive View and iPhone users.

Great news for iPhone users is that Immersive View will function on most phones and devices including your iPhone!

Two other Google Maps features that have been updated

Eco-friendly routing now gives you the option to choose between the most cost-effective route when checking out driving directions in order to save money on gasoline.- features on Google maps

Live View utilizes AR to show arrows and directions on your screen to help you navigate while walking.  This new technology has become available for free from Google to developers with ARCore Geospatial API.

The Google Maps navigation app has more interesting features to check out

Wherever you plan to go, a weekend trip or just visiting friends across town, it is worth making sure you have downloaded Google Maps to your phone.   The app will give you the best directions to your destination but there are many other less known features that can help to make your drive easier and more pleasant.

Firstly, Google Maps will make sure you do not get lost on your journey and help you to arrive to where-ever you are going on time.   It is also possible with Google Maps to customize the map and also order food to be delivered to your home.

Live View will help you whilst walking to reach your destination

After you have parked and it is some way from your destination, Google’s Live View tool will show you exactly where you need to walk by just raising up your phone screen.  That definitely beats trying to figure out how to reach your destination by trying to follow a small blue mark!   Live View uses your camera to scan the area and uses a large arrow to show you where the exact location is that you are heading to.  You will need to do the following:

1. First in the Google Maps app you put in your destination and click ‘Directions’.
2. Then choose the Walking icon found at the top of the map screen.
3. Tap the Live View button on the bottom of the screen.
4. Direct your camera at the things around you on the street as you begin walking towards your destination and arrows and the name of the street will appear on your screen to direct you.

You won’t get lost with Google Maps

Google Maps gives you the option to download your route beforehand so if for some reason your phone loses its signal you don’t have to worry.  Some areas are known to have weak cell phone coverage so this can be particularly useful. You will need to do the following:

1. Enter your destination in the Google Maps app.
2. Tap the name or address appearing at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap download after scrolling to the right.
4. Press download again and the map you have chosen will be available to you if you need it offline.

Incognito Mode – keeping your destinations private

If you are using Android or an iPhone you can go incognito when you use Google Maps which means that no other Maps users can see your location or any locations that you have searched. You will need to go into your Google Maps app and click on your profile icon which is located in the top righthand corner. Once there, select ‘Turn on Incognito Mode’.  Follow the same steps when you want to turn it off but this time select ‘Turn off Incognito Mode’.

Finding parking

Finding a parking space can be very stressful especially if you are time constrained.  Google Maps can point you in the direction of a parking space so you need not drive around in circles looking for a spot. You will need to do the following:

1. Enter the location where you need to park into the Google Maps app.
2. Click Directions.
3. Zoom in to see all the P icons in and around your requested location. Tap a P.
4. Tap Add stop. The parking space will be added.

See real photos of your destination with Street View

You can view that hotel you plan to stay at on Google Maps before you make your reservation.  And next year it is anticipated that Google will introduce a new camera for Street View which will enable imagery from places all around the globe. What you need to do:

1. Type in the name of the hotel and location in Google Maps.
2. There will appear a small box in the bottom left-hand corner with a photo of the hotel or location.  If you tap this, you will see the Street View of the place.
3. You are able to zoom in and out in order to get a better look.