Maps Change Way We See World
I have just returned from a fortnight in southern Europe and Google Maps was a faithful companion throughout.
It Helped get between towns, villages and resorts by car and around them on foot, and found places to visit and eat, without costing me a euro.
By pre-planning each trip on wi-fi to pre-load maps and directions on to my phone before setting out and then using GPS to track my location, I was able to keep Mobile Data switched off and avoid any exorbitant roaming charges.
Satellite and Street Views were a vital part of each trip’s planning, used for advance checks on the most likely parking and eating places and attractions to visit.
Google Maps has got better and better every year and they are still adding more value to the App.It is said that over 7000 people work on developing and maintaining it.The best new features, recently released or soon to be out, either enhance the satnav functions or add integration with other Apps.
A recent improvement to Directions already gives estimated journey times on the basis of current traffic conditions, as well as when congestion free.
And one to come will tell you when to switch lanes ahead of a junction on a pre-planned route.
Upgrades this year have also brought integration with Gmail accounts, to show the location of appointments and give directions and journey times, and with Google Plus reviews of featured locations on Maps, such as restaurants, hotels and local attractions.
Love or hate Google, they have done a good job in making Maps an indispensable aid for the traveller.
