Google’s mapping and guidance service will get an update for the end of the year. It will bring several new practical functions to facilitate travel, some of which are accessible to Europeans.
The end of the year celebrations are approaching and with them, the inevitable influx of people into shopping malls or town centers to find gifts and other ingredients necessary for the preparation of festive meals. So that these meetings do not turn into nightmares, Google will soon deploy an update to its Maps application. The mobile version of the mapping tool, which already knows how to offer itineraries adapted to different modes of transport, find nearby shops or even guide you step by step in your journeys, will thus be enriched with two new functions in Europe. And other novelties reserved for the moment in the United States, but which could be accessible in other countries later.
Avoid or join the crowd
The first will be very useful in these times of pandemic since it will identify on the map the high traffic areas of a city. This will make it easy to spot in real time if a neighborhood is saturated (like a shopping street) in order to find the best time to get there … or simply avoid it if the crowd turns you off. To provide this data, Google relies on the location histories of people who have activated this function on their smartphone in their Google account. The firm claims that this data is of course anonymized. They make it possible to calculate the occupancy rate of an area for each hour of the day and thus to establish statistics. This function will also allow partygoers to easily locate places where there is activity to prolong the party.
Find your way in shopping centers
The other novelty will delight all those who love to hang out in shopping centers. Whether they are large shopping areas in the city center or on the outskirts, those located in train stations or airports, Google has carried out a precise referencing of the shops there. The update of Maps will offer a Directory tab to easily locate the store that interests you and, of course, the route to get there as quickly as possible through the building. A list of categories bringing together each brand will be available to easily identify the one that interests you. Each file is accompanied by the opening hours. This referencing is not satisfied with shops. It also includes airline lounges or even car rental counters. A great idea for anyone planning to travel during the holidays.
Other news… for the United States for the moment
Two other functions will also be added to Google Maps but they only affect US users for the moment. Google has not yet announced their deployment in Europe. So, always in the spirit of preparing the holidays serenely, Google suggests locating on the map the businesses offering a Drive service to do your shopping in a few minutes and collect them directly from the store. The service currently covers some 2,000 stores in 30 states. Finally, with the next Maps update, Google will make it possible to find a restaurant that meets your tastes and your budget. The app will list the food shops by presenting detailed sheets on the average price of the dishes, the number of tables, the possibility of eating on the terrace, etc. The sheet will of course be accompanied by user opinions.