How to Use Google Maps’ New Detailed Walking Routes
Google has updated Google Maps with a new walking route feature that makes the app much more useful for those on foot. Google Maps’ new detailed voice guidance, as they are called, is primarily aimed at visually impaired users, although they can easily benefit anyone.
If you are anything like me, you obsessively double and triple check directions on Google Maps, especially when you go to a new destination in an unfamiliar place. New, detailed walking routes mean you can keep your phone in your pocket and listen to audio instructions instead of constantly checking your phone to find out where you are.
The new Google Maps walking routes will now:
- Be clear about the estimated walking time and distance at the start of navigation.
- Alerts you when you are approaching busy streets, intersections, etc.
- Tell you how long until your next turn, and which direction of light you are currently heading.
How to enable detailed voice guidance in Google Maps
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap the three compound lines next to the search bar to open the side menu.
- Scroll down and tap Settings, then scroll down again and tap Navigation Settings.
- Find Walking Routes at the bottom of the menu and turn on Detailed Voice Guidance.