Google says its maps application will use its live view function in some indoor locations, such as airports, transit stations and shopping malls.
Google Maps' indoor Live View feature is now available on Android and iPadOS devices and it can be used in malls in Chicago, Long Island, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle. The feature will be available in select airports, malls, and transit stations in Tokyo and Zurich in the coming months, with more cities to follow.
"If you're catching a plane or train, Live View can help you find the nearest elevator and escalators, your gate, platform, baggage claim, check-in counters, ticket office, restrooms, ATMs and more," Google said in a blog post.
Other features available soon include the ability to view live weather or air quality.
Later this year, the application will show users ecological conscious driving routes, by default, if a route that uses less fuel is estimated to be about as fast as another route. Google said it was working with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the feature.
In addition, the company announced a pilot program with Kroger-owned Fred Meyer to integrate its existing curbside grocery pickup with Google Maps. For example, the application might continuously inform stores of customers' estimated arrival time and allow you to check in via the app when you arrive. The test will take place this summer in a few stores in Portland, Oregon.
Live View is powered by artificial intelligence and Google's Street View image database. Google Maps employs machine learning to evaluate which information is likely to be similar and which should be overlooked.
Google said the indoor version of Live View considers the user's altitude as well as the location of objects inside a building. Once the application determines where users are it can overlay virtual images to assist you in navigating to your destination.
