Key Takeaways
- Google Maps now presents tunnel navigation, permitting folks to seek out their means underground utilizing GPS even and not using a direct satellite tv for pc connection.
- Tunnel navigation depends on Bluetooth beacons put in in tunnels to transmit GPS alerts to customers’ telephones.
- The function is at the moment restricted to Android units and sure cities, however availability is predicted to broaden over time.
GPS navigation has basically modified the best way we commute and transfer all over the world. Principally gone are the times when paper maps had been must-haves to seek out your means round on a highway journey. Now, you possibly can merely activate Google Maps and get the place you might want to go.
Nevertheless, even with all of the perks of GPS, the tech nonetheless has its shortcomings. It really works nice whenever you’re under an open sky, however go someplace with a extra obscured view of the solar — an underground tunnel or downtown core, for instance — and you will rapidly see your telephone lose connection to the satellites pinpointing your location.
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Get a greater view of the place you are going.
It may not be that huge of a deal when you understand the place you are going, or if there’s just one highway forward, however when you encounter forks, layered overpasses, or conflicting exits — you is perhaps in a little bit of hassle.
With its newest navigation function, Google is making an attempt to assist customers discover their means even in tunnels, guaranteeing they by no means get misplaced. This is how the brand new function works, and the way you need to use it in your subsequent journey.
How does tunnel navigation work in Google Maps?
Tunnel navigation may appear area of interest, however it may possibly show to be extraordinarily helpful when you’re new to a metropolis and instantly end up misplaced underground. Shedding GPS sign in some conditions is perhaps annoying and even disturbing, so having the device enabled can take a load off your thoughts and show you how to get the place you might want to go sooner.
You may assume that such a know-how could be tough to work out. In spite of everything, a GPS sign is definitely misplaced underground. Happily, tunnel navigation makes use of a intelligent workaround that permits your telephone to attach with a satellite tv for pc with out, a minimum of technically, being in direct vary of 1.
Waze was one of many first to introduce tunnel navigation in 2016, and because the firm is owned by Google, it was solely a matter of time earlier than the function made its method to Maps. Initially of 2024, the search big rolled out the function to Android customers.
As satellite tv for pc alerts cannot journey underground or cross by way of concrete, Google had to think about a novel method to transmit GPS info. The corporate ultimately settled on specialised, battery-powered Bluetooth units known as Waze beacons. When a tunnel is provided with them, the beacons on the entrance seize GPS info from overhead satellites and relay that information to the beacons additional into the tunnel, basically offering GPS protection the place the know-how would not usually be out there. Then, your telephone can connect with these beacons and entry GPS info as if it was coming from an everyday satellite tv for pc.
Will tunnel navigation work in each tunnel?
Sadly, as a result of tunnel navigation depends upon Bluetooth beacons, Google can’t assure the function will work in each tunnel — a minimum of not but. For now, it is restricted to a couple places. You should utilize it in cities corresponding to Paris, New York, Sydney and Rio de Janeiro.
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With time, this tech is bound to proliferate, so you possibly can make sure that protection will broaden.
Tips on how to allow tunnel navigation in Google Maps?
As I discussed earlier than, regardless that tunnel navigation has been current on Waze since 2016, it is a fully new function for Google Maps customers. The flexibility to make use of location providers in tunnels first appeared in Google’s navigation app in Oct. 2023 as a restricted take a look at earlier than the corporate started rolling out the function globally in Jan. 2024. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless some limitations to availability.
Firstly, tunnel navigation is simply out there on Android units. So you probably have an iPhone, you are out of luck. Google has but to share details about an iOS launch, so Apple customers will should be affected person.
Should you’re not seeing tunnel navigation in your Android machine, you might must replace Google Maps. The function solely seems within the latest construct of the app.
When you’re operating the most recent model of Maps, this is how one can allow tunnel navigation:
- Open Google Maps.
- Faucet your profile image within the high proper nook.
- Choose Settings.
- Faucet Navigation settings.
- Scroll down to seek out the Driving choices menu.
- Faucet the Bluetooth tunnel beacons toggle to allow the function.
As soon as it is turned on, your telephone will routinely connect with out there
Bluetooth beacons
and proceed utilizing GPS even within the longest tunnels.
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