TECH

More details, more colors: Big update for Google Maps

Google has given its Maps service an extensive update. In future, the maps in Google Maps will be designed to be even more detailed and colorful.
Apple had completely redesigned its map app only a few months ago. The iPhone company promised its users faster and more precise navigation, better data for pedestrians and comprehensive views of streets, parks and buildings. Google is now following suit. In the coming days, Google Maps will receive an extensive update. Google mainly focuses on visual improvements. The presentation should be more detailed and colorful, as Google announces in a blog post .
On the optimized maps, users should be able to see more precisely what an area looks like. In the future, light brown, dry beaches and deserts should be able to differ slightly from blue lakes, rivers, oceans and gorges. In addition, it should also be easier to see how lush and green the vegetation is in the particular places. The new Google Maps should also be able to see exactly whether there is snow on the peaks.
For the design, Google relies on its high-resolution satellite images. These are processed with new algorithms for color assignment - first, Google looks at dry, icy, forested and mountainous regions. These features are then analyzed and given colors according to the so-called HSV color model (not to be confused with the German football club). A dense forest, for example, appears dark green, while an area with shrubs appears as a lighter shade of green.
As examples of the new design, Google has chosen Iceland with its diverse vegetation and the snow-covered Vatnajökull as well as the coastal region of Croatia, where the beach, water and vegetation can be clearly identified.
Google Maps also promises a more detailed display in cities - initially in London, New York and San Francisco. There you should be able to make out the true shape and width of streets even better. In addition, sidewalks, zebra crossings and pedestrian islands will be recognizable. The improved city views are to be extended to other cities. It is not yet known which ones these should be.

© Google The Google Maps icon.