As we approach the holiday travel season, Google Maps is rolling out new features (Opens in a new window) that let users “experience a place as if you were there,” thanks to new advances in computer vision and modeling predictive .
Checking the environment
(Credit: Google)
Whether you’re calling friends or family, looking for a new home, or simply making a pit stop on a longer road trip, visiting a new area can be daunting. Google’s upcoming “neighborhood vibe” feature aims to overcome those fears with collective photos and information.
By combining artificial intelligence with the local knowledge of Maps users, Google can tell you if a region is particularly artistic or has an exciting food scene, “so you can make an informed decision about how to spend your time.” says Chris Phillips, vice president and general manager of Google Maps.
Reference aerial views
In May, Google introduced Immersive View (Opens in a new window), which offers multidimensional panoramas of a neighborhood, landmark, or popular place overlaid with details like weather, traffic, and occupancy. Now, the company is adding photorealistic aerial views of more than 250 global landmarks, including Tokyo Tower and the Acropolis.
Heading to a San Francisco Giants game before the MLB season ends soon? Check Google Maps for all the information you need to plan your day at Oracle Park, including finding parking and tickets, whether to bring a jacket, and checking out nearby restaurants.
The feature will be available soon for those searching for Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo on Android and iOS.
Search with Live View
Even the most experienced Maps user can benefit from some extra help, which is why Google introduced search with Live View. Building on existing augmented reality technology that overlays arrows and directions so you don’t get lost, the new feature “helps you find your surroundings more intuitively,” Google says.
Pick up your phone to search and see all nearby ATMs, coffee shops, grocery stores, transit stations and more. Tap any location to see more details, such as business hours and services provided. Search with Live View is coming to iOS and Android devices in London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Paris and Tokyo in the coming months.
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Ecological route
After launching a sustainable routing model in North America and Europe, the company plans to expand its technology to third-party developers through the Google Maps Platform.
From later this year, delivery and ride-sharing services will be invited to enable a green itinerary to measure their fleet’s fuel consumption and savings based on engine type.
“We’re building a Maps visual experience that helps everyone explore and navigate the world more naturally, while getting there more sustainably,” says Phillips.
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