How to Use Google Maps ‘Indoor AR’ Directions
Google recently showcased a number of new Google Maps features that Android and iOS users are getting this year. The first is inland AR destinations for a live map view that is now rolling out in some US cities.
Google says Live View artificial intelligence technology is now advanced enough to “determine the exact height and position of objects within a building.” Basically, the app can detect where walls, stairs, doors, and other objects are in a room, allowing you to navigate to your destination even if it’s on a different floor or in a separate room.
Live View will provide indoor augmented reality routes for some public transport stops, airports, shopping malls, etc. However, at launch, this feature only works for a few shopping malls in the following cities:
- Chicago
- Long Island
- Los Angeles
- Newark
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
Shopping centers, airports and transit centers in Tokyo and Zurich will be added in the coming months. Google plans to support even more locations in the future, but has not provided specific cities or a release timeline.
For now, if you find yourself in one of the few places that support this feature, open Google Maps and tap the “Live View” icon to start using AR internal routes, or search for directions to your destination and select “Start AR”. … »The app guides you to your destination using arrows and waypoint markers.
Google also announced several other Google Maps features that will roll out in the coming months:
- New weather and air quality layers for the map screen will be launching in Australia, India and the US in the coming months.
- Optimization of the driving route with economical fuel consumption. It will launch in the US this year with a global release planned for later.
- Warnings when driving through low emission areas. France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK will receive this feature first in June and later in other countries.
- Updated transport choices in the directions menu, with a global release scheduled for this year.
- Pickup tool for selected stores. The initial pilot project will take place this summer in Portland, Oregon and will include select Fred Meyer stores.
You can read more about Indoor Live View destinations and all of the other recently announced features in a Google blog post .