what you need to know
- Google has begun a test that involves building entry icons into Maps for a select few users and locations.
- After zooming in, users should see a small green icon when an “Enter” symbol appears on a building in the map.
- In this test, selected buildings are displayed in a reddish tint, similar to how the map currently displays hospitals.
It appears some users have taken part in Google Maps’ latest test, which involves showing entrances to institutions.
Google Maps has launched a new test that includes indicators showing building entrances, Android Police reports. The discovery was made during the app’s latest update, version 11.17.0101, where the icons appear to be only visible when zoomed in close to a building. Building entrances appear as small circular icons with a green “Enter” symbol in the center.
Testing is mixed because tests are administered in places such as cafes, restaurants, hotels, doctors’ offices and supermarkets. Some buildings display the icon, while others do not. This may indicate that Google is still relatively early in the development process of the feature.
The publication added that the icons also only appear on maps of New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Berlin, Germany.
It was also discovered that the map entrance icons for certain buildings were a bit misplaced as well. Large buildings seem to be more prone to this problem than smaller buildings.
Google’s latest tests in Maps allegedly include changing colors when buildings are selected. When you click on the name of a business or building, the map switches its color from cream to a reddish tint. Currently, the map displays hospitals in a reddish tint to make them easier to spot when scanning over longer distances.
image 1 of 2
It’s unclear when Google will roll out Maps’ new building entrance indicators. However, there is still more work to be done before it can be made available to all users in a stable form.
As Google tests a new way to make city navigation easier, it recently launched “at-a-glance directions” for your device’s lock screen. The feature, available for Android and iOS, lets everyone see a blue arrow (when enabled) detailing where you need to go next. Google is said to provide additional information in the form of message bubbles while you travel.