Google Maps Gets Better with These New Features:

In a bid to enhance user experience and streamline commuting, Google continuously strives to add new features to Maps. Recently, the company has added a few more features to Maps. They are essentially lifted from the crowdsourced navigation app – Waze – as they provide real-time information as well as customisation options for Maps.

In addition, the latest update includes new vehicle icons that replace the traditional blue arrow, expanded reporting tools for road hazards, and other general improvements and fixes.

Customisable new vehicle icons for Google Maps

Users on both iOS and Android can now alter their device representation on the navigation map. In place of the standard arrow, users may select from eight different car icons, which include a sports car, pick-up truck, SUV, and sedan. These icons are further customizable, as they come in Glacier white, Night black, Ash gray, Poppy red, Sky blue, Sunny yellow, Aqua green, and Sunset magenta.

Users can adjust the vehicle icon by first swiping up on the menu located at the bottom of the navigation window, then tapping on “Vehicle icon”, and finally selecting one of the available options. Alternatively, after setting a destination, users can quickly customize it by tapping on the default vehicle icon. This is accessible only with the latest version of Google Maps.

Increasing live hazard reporting

Google has been incorporating Waze-style reporting functionalities into Maps, allowing people to report crashes, severe traffic jams, and police presence on the roads. This update further improves these capabilities by enabling users to quickly mark lane closures, stalled vehicles, objects on the road, flooded areas, poor visibility, and unplowed roads. Unquestionably, these greatly assist other motorists to avoid these hazards and make driving easier and much more secure.

Although Google Maps and Waze are both used for navigation, they serve different purposes. With Google Maps, users can easily book reservations for resturants, hotels, and other entertainment facilities besides getting directions. It is perfect for those who are planning to drive but do much more than just that. Waze focuses on driving and provides real-time updates and changes for drivers to have a better experience on the road.