Google Maps today unveiled a trio of new features to help users stay connected and coordinated.
"Whether you're checking out top landmarks in a new city, planning to hop on your bike, or hanging out with friends around town, these updates have you covered," Amanda Leicht Moore, director of product for Google Maps, wrote in an announcement.
Old Landmarks, New Views
Get into vacation mode with photorealistic aerial views of nearly 100 of the world's most popular landmarks in cities like Barcelona, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo.
Search for landmarks in Google Maps' Photos section to see aerial views (where available), and get a sense for what the Empire State Building, Big Ben, or Alcatraz Island are like up close before adding them to your trip itinerary.
This marks Google Maps' first step toward creating what it called an "immersive view" back in May, which pairs artificial intelligence with billions of high-definition Street View, satellite, and aerial images to create the new visuals.
Ride Prepared With Cycling Route Info
Google Maps has been providing cycling directions for more than 12 years now. However, an increasing number of people are turning to sustainable transportation options like bikes, so Maps is improving the cycle route information it offers.
Based on city data, cartographic partners, and community feedback, Maps is launching new cycling information—complete with the ability to compare routes and see more granular details.
Choose a destination to determine whether you should prepare for heavy traffic, stairs, or steep hills, and find out what type of road you'll be using—a major thoroughfare or a local street.
Location Notifications for Easier Meetups
Catching up with friends is getting easier thanks to the introduction of location sharing notifications. If you've planned to meet someone somewhere, by turning on location sharing it's now possible to set a notification for the meeting place address (e.g. a cafe) to see when other people have arrived (or left).
Notifications are available only for contacts who choose to share their location with you; once turned on, they'll receive regular reminders via the Maps app and email. Users can stop sharing location or block someone from setting notifications in the platform's settings.
Aerial landmark views and location sharing notifications are rolling out globally in Google Maps for Android and iOS devices; cycling route information will launch "in the coming weeks" in the cities where cycling directions are available.