Google Maps becomes more interactive and includes personal information

The test version of Google's mapping service is enriched more. The menu contextual information, integration of personal data, route searching multiple points, etc.. Small virtual exploration.

Open to the public since last July, the test version of the new Google Maps is enhanced with a series of new features. Thus, the mapping service is now appear contextual information about a place, when it was selected by a mouse click: opening hours, pictures street view, photos of users, website, calendar of upcoming events, etc.. This is a little picture of what is already happening at the classic Google search on the right column.

Contextual information in Google Maps.

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And that's not all. The editor capitalizes on Google Now to also convey information that are of personal interest. Example: If you select an airport, Google Maps will automatically display your ticket booking from it. Obviously, for this kind of information is plastered bonus, it will be connected with a Google account ...

Other (true-false) novelty seeking routes to multiple stops. This feature already exists in the current version of Google Maps. It was removed in the first test of the new version of Google Maps. The editor reintroduces now, following extensive feedback from beta testers. We can therefore find a good route by specifying a series of intermediate points, while choosing the mode of transport (on foot, by car, public transport, cycling or plane).

Multi-point routes on Google Maps.

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For those who have not explored the new test version of Google Maps, briefly summarize the major changes coming in the mapping service. The search bar disappears in favor of an integrated search field in the map area, in order to favor the full screen display. The little man he had position on the map to move in "street view" mode was also sacrificed. Now simply click on a location to display that mode - if available - below the search field. At the bottom of the screen, the user can open a "band exploration" which proposes a wide range of multimedia elements related to the geographical selected. Pointing at the Paris Opera, we can for example find entertainment on large surrounding stores (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps).

Multimedia exploration in Google Maps.

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It is also bottom of the screen that the user can switch to satellite view, which draws heavily on Google Earth and therefore require some computing capacity.

Google Maps is based on Google Earth.

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A fashion "inclined plane" can navigate with a skyline in background. This is especially nice when the card has 3D data, as is the case for example of downtown San Francisco.

Tipped with 3D data in Google Maps. Map