Brussels is the first Belgian city to feature in the “Detailed Street Maps”, an output from Google Maps that gives users greater detail about their itineraries.
1. Tailored itineraries
Greater detail will allow Brussels users to plan the most suitable route according to their needs. With Detailed Street Maps, users can adapt their profiles and the advanced application suggests routes accordingly. Pedestrians in wheelchairs or with a baby stroller will find the application particularly useful, since the functionality will help them find streets and ways around with good access.
Since 17 February, it is possible to access “highly detailed street information, including the location of sidewalks, crosswalks, and the shape and width of a street (to scale),” according to a statement from Google.
In a societal context disrupted by Covid-19, Google Detailed Street Maps seems to take on its full meaning. According to the statement, “since the start of the pandemic, people are more often choosing to walk or take other forms of transportation solo.”
2. AI-powered tech
Based on artificial intelligence (AI), Google’s services are increasingly being deployed and offer “a better understanding of urban landscapes around the world”, the tech giant stated, proudly recalling that Google Maps was launched 15 years ago and it “redefined the term “maps”.
For example, it is possible to be guided by Google Maps in augmented reality. Google Maps called this feature Live View and it is accessible directly from the map. The service also offers the user useful details about stores and restaurants, such as footfall, recent reviews and photos.
“Using AI and our knowledge of cityscapes around the world, you can see where sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian areas are, as well as the shape and width of a road to scale,” Google stated.
Already in place in several cities around the world, Google plans to make this new feature available in more than 50 cities around the world, including Berlin, Singapore and Seattle, by the end of the year.
