The fact that Google Maps keeps trying to keep adding features is one of the reasons why some of us prefer it over other map apps. And these range from small details such as the “perennial bug” to somewhat more advanced novelties such as the last thing Google announced for the appwhich will be rolled out in the coming weeks not only on Android, but also on the iOS app.
It is a collection of features oriented towards get much more information about natural parks. Specifically, there is talk of national parks in the United States, since this territory is the first to receive the news, but Google itself confirms that it will reach other territories such as Europe in the coming months.
Feeding nature walks
Google Maps is a versatile application. Literally. It offers the possibility to configure routes by car, on foot, by bicycle and even by public transport. However, walking routes through natural landscapes are a weak point of the app. Until now.
Something makes us anticipate that hiking apps will find a good rival in Google Maps. The app has started collecting more information on the natural parks, including more detailed routes and to the points to visit. Concretely, there are four major new features that Google differentiates as follows:
- Must-see places: Visitor centres, trails, viewpoints… Thanks to comments and photos uploaded by other Google Maps users, the application will allow you to obtain detailed information on the most remarkable places in each park.
- Complete routes: In addition to the highlights of each park, the trails will also benefit from a larger database thanks to the community. We will know exactly where each path begins and ends, its degree of difficulty or if it is better to walk or ride a bike.
- Detailed trail instructions: We’ve previously warned that finding trails isn’t Google Maps’ strong point, but the upcoming news includes more route information, putting them better in the spotlight and with clear, precise directions for walking trails. or cycle.
- All with the possibility of consulting it offline: Just as we have the so-called offline maps of Google Maps to be able to establish routes when we do not have internet, these new features of the natural parks will also be downloadable for offline consultation. Considering that many parks have poor coverage, this will be essential.
As we have already said, these novelties will begin to be rolled out in April in the United States. We will wait his arrival in Europe. And it is precisely that in our country we have an infinite number of natural places that Google will surely be able to take advantage of.
If you are curious about try these new features, to say that in some cases it is already happening and that, despite the fact that we are in Europe, we can see how it works in the United States. To do this, you just need to search for one of the parks confirmed by Google Maps:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Acadia National Park
- Badlands National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
More information | Google
Cover Image | Wikimedia Commons | Jennifer Rogalla on Unsplash
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