Google Maps: Google Maps 6.0 for Android Now Mapping Indoors [Google Maps Adds Support for Detailed Floor Plans, Letting Users Navigate Within Buildings]

Posted on TFTS by J. Angelo Racoma on Tuesday, 29. November 2011 under: Computers & Computing, Internet Highlights, Mobile/Cell Phones, PCs, Notebooks, Netbooks & Tablets

Google Maps is all about knowing where you are and where you can go around the world. But just seeing the big picture and the view from outside is not enough. Google will soon let users map their way through building and establishment interiors.

The Google Maps team has announced a new feature starting with the release of Google Maps 6.0 for Android. The new version will include support for indoor locations. Whenever users are in an establishment that’s already mapped by Google, one can determine location within the building through a detailed floor plan. You can also navigate buildings online even remotely.

Detailed floor plans automatically appear when you’re viewing the map and zoomed in on a building where indoor map data is available. The familiar “blue dot” icon indicates your location within several meters, and when you move up or down a level in a building with multiple floors, the interface will automatically update to display which floor you’re on. All this is achieved by using an approach similar to that of ‘My Location’ for outdoor spaces, but fine tuned for indoors.

Buildings with different levels will also support a floor selector, for use while browsing with non-location aware smartphones, tablets and computers. This also enables remote users to view the building’s different floors without the need to be there. Google has initially partnered with a few establishments, including malls and airports, although more establishments are likely to join in, as this might be a good way to promote their business.

To date, the following U.S. and Japan locations have indoor map support:

Stores/malls: Mall of America, IKEA, The Home Depot, Macy’s (select stores), Bloomingdale’s (select stores), Daimaru, Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi locations.
Airports: Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Chicago O’Hare, San Francisco International Airport, Narita International.
JR and Tokyu Corporation.

Google is likewise encouraging businesses to get their floor plans included in Google Maps by visiting maps.google.com/floorplans. No word when this feature will come to other devices, like the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, although it’s likely that the Google Maps team will also update its other mobile app versions to support interior mapping.