Google announce that the maps service will now extend indoor as well. The company claims that there are 75 places that can be accessed as of now using this feature. The service also extends over 22 countries.
“We launched indoor maps in countries like the US earlier. Now we are bringing it to India. We worked with mall owners and authorities that manage a place to get the floor plans and location details and have added that information to Google Maps, For now we are starting with 75 places. But as we get feedback from consumers and work with more partners, we hope to add more places.”
-Suren Ruhela, director and product manager, India Google Maps
The 75 places are mostly shopping malls but museums and convention halls also find a mention in the list.
“Malls are getting bigger and there are occasions when we are looking for a shop and can’t find it. Through the indoor maps feature, you can locate the shop with help of your phone. You don’t have to go all the way back to a mall’s main gate to look for the floor plan,”
-Suren Ruhela
According to a Google spokesperson
“In some locations, you’ll have the option of using the indoor My Location feature to help you navigate your way inside. Where available, the familiar ‘blue dot’ icon can help indicate your approximate location in order to help you more easily find your way. This means that when you move up or down a level in a building with multiple floors, the map will automatically update to display which floor you’re on. At these locations, you can also access indoor walking directions to help you get to where you need to go more quickly,”
The maps are available immediately through an update to the Maps application on android and iOS.
Source: TOI
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