Google Maps is always trying to make travel easier for everyone. Now, it has introduced a new feature called “flyover callout” for users in India. This feature gives information about upcoming flyovers along your route. It helps drivers decide whether to take the flyover or the road underneath. This is a welcome addition that aims to reduce confusion and make navigation better in India.
What is Flyover Callout?
The “flyover callout” feature on Google Maps will show flyovers on recommended routes. This allows drivers to prepare in advance and choose the best option for their journey. It is available for both four-wheeler and two-wheeler navigation. You can use this feature in 40 cities across India on Android apps and Android Auto. Support for iOS and CarPlay is coming soon. This feature is particularly useful because it helps drivers make informed decisions, ensuring a smoother and more efficient travel experience.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
In addition to the flyover callout, Google Maps is also adding information about electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The app will now show over 8,000 EV charging locations across the country. Google is working with providers to include these stations, which will make it easier for EV drivers to find places to charge their vehicles. This is a significant step towards promoting the use of electric vehicles and supporting sustainable travel.
Simplified Reporting of Road Incidents
Google Maps has made it simpler to report road incidents like construction or traffic issues. With just a few taps, users can report these problems and confirm reports made by others. This helps improve the reliability of information on the app. This update is available on all platforms, including Android, iOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. This feature ensures that users can contribute to real-time updates, making travel safer and more convenient for everyone.
AI for Indian Roads
Estimating road widths in India is complex due to the country’s vast and diverse road network. To address this, Google has developed an AI model specifically for Indian roads. This model uses multiple signals such as satellite imagery, Street View, and other information including road types, distances between buildings, and paved sections to estimate road widths at scale.
Using these estimates, Google has fine-tuned its existing AI routing algorithms. This helps four-wheelers avoid narrow roads whenever possible, without significantly increasing travel time or distance. This means that four-wheeler drivers can enjoy a less stressful driving experience. It also benefits bikers, pedestrians, and other commuters, who can now use these narrow roads more safely and confidently.
These new features on Google Maps are designed to make travel easier and safer for everyone in India. The “flyover callout” feature helps drivers make better decisions about their routes. The addition of EV charging station information supports the growing number of electric vehicle users. Simplified reporting of road incidents improves the reliability of real-time updates. Finally, the use of AI to estimate road widths ensures that all users can navigate more efficiently and safely.
