Google Maps update to include eco-friendly travel route options, air quality
The latest update for Google Maps is set to have a bit of eco-friendly flair which gives users more choice in how they select their next travel routes.With digital map providers like Google being more integrated into our daily travels, it is always big news when new changes are released. Whether you use it on your smartphone, through your car’s mirroring system (Apple Carplay or Android Auto) or use the car's inbuilt sat-nav system powered by it, Google Maps is well and truly a map powerhouse. Its latest update shows why.
Using insights from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab, Google says it is building a new routing model that optimises for lower fuel consumption based on factors like road incline and traffic congestion. You’ll get a comprehensive view of all routes and transportation modes available to your destination and can compare how long it’ll take you to get there by car, public transport or bike without toggling between tabs.
Google Maps journeys will default to the route with the lowest carbon footprint when it has approximately the same ETA as the fastest route. In cases where the eco-friendly route could significantly increase your ETA, users will be offered information about each journey route so they can compare the CO2 impact between them to make their choice.
We’ve been assured that if you do want to bypass the CO2 sensibilities in favour of the fastest route, you can adjust your preferences in Settings. Eco-friendly route options are launching in the US later this year, with a global expansion rollout to follow soon after.
The new map update will also notify drivers when the route transits through a low emissions zone which incurs tolls or restricts certain vehicles from entering to keep the air clean.
There is also a new weather layer to maps. Users will be able to see current and forecasted weather conditions, which will help inform driving decisions amongst other things. Air quality information will also be visible which will be helpful for allergy sufferers and helpful to those concerned about local smog or fire smoke in the area. The weather layer will be available globally while the air quality layer will launch in Australia, India, and the US before being rolled out globally.
Related: Our top five Google Maps tips
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