We’ve all been there: you’re driving in a new city, and your map suddenly hits you with a “slight right,” but ahead of you is a labyrinth of possible roads. Even if you locate the correct road, you might have to cut someone off to get there. Soon, however, we can all drive more peacefully thanks to a Google Maps update providing better lane visibility.
Google Is Updating Its Road View So You Can See Lanes
Today, Google’s The Keyword revealed an update to Google Maps that would “take the stress out of driving.” The app promises enhanced navigation tools, including visuals of road signs and lane markers, starting next month in roughly 30 metro areas. Google has not specified which metros will get enhanced navigation, but we can assume that major cities like Los Angeles, Manhattan, and Chicago are on that list.
Google highlights the key features of this navigation update in The Keyword:
“Sometimes driving in unfamiliar areas with multiple lanes, forks and exits can be confusing. To help you anticipate these, our enhanced navigation will show you lanes, crosswalks and road signs clearly on the map. And because no one likes finding out they need to merge at the last minute, we’ll show you exactly which lane you should be in: Just follow the blue line in the lane markers while navigating.”
The update is particularly useful for inner-city driving, where intersections can be confusing. Take that confusion and triple it in an old city like Boston, built from horse trails in the 1600s. While Google Maps already provides lane guidance in the upper header of its directions, you’ll now be able to see the lane distinctions on the road itself.
Winter Is Coming
Google Maps will also see updates beyond metro areas. Rolling out globally this week, Google is adding the option to see and report weather disruptions. The company says that weather reporting will be important as “the winter months approach,” with greater possibilities of weather-related disruptions to driving, like unplowed roads or flooding. The feature is similar to accident and construction reporting that already exists on the app.
Another update available worldwide this week is enhanced arrival guidance. For example, the app will now display nearby parking lots as you approach your destination, as well as reminders to save your parking location. Combine this update with Google’s recent integration with SpotHero, a parking reservation service, and you’ve got a fairly stress-free parking experience.
Finding your way around in a busy city is a science, and chaotic lane merges can be a clear indicator of an outsider. Add unpredictable weather into the mix, and getting from Point A to Point B can be a real nightmare. Hopefully, these updates to Google Maps make you feel like you’re not trying to learn a new language every time you travel somewhere new. More importantly, updates like these can make driving a whole lot safer.
