Soon, Google Maps could show you COVID-19 data in states, counties, and cities. With the update, you’ll see a COVID toggle in your app. Tick that to see a seven-day average of COVID-19 cases in areas per 10,000 people.

You’ll know the case rates in an area through its color. Moreover, a label should tell you whether cases in the area are rising or dropping. Check your Maps apps on Android or iOS this week. 

Google Maps and COVID-19 Data

In a blog post, Google said that the new COVID layer should help people “make more informed decisions” about traveling under the pandemic. Experts and the CDC also recommend for people to check COVID-19 numbers in their area. With tracking, people would know the risk of doing some activities. 

Google Maps adds an overlay of COVID-19 case trends https://t.co/D7HKxY3pM6 pic.twitter.com/XwNNKjwgp6

— The Verge (@verge) September 24, 2020

Parents also have to consider COVID numbers when deciding to send their kids back to school. With the holidays coming around, families must know if going home should be safe.  

Where Does Google Maps Pull Its Data?

The Verge reports that Google Maps pulls its COVID data from Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 tracker, Wikipedia, and The New York Times.  

Is Google Maps Releasing Other COVID Tools?

Google Maps has rolled out other COVID-19 tools over the past months. For example, the app now tells you about mask mandates in public transportation. You’ll also get information on restaurant takeouts. Finally, you’ll even get warnings to go to your doctor if you suspect COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 numbers in the US are rising again, mainly from outbreaks in the Midwest. Experts now warn of a surge of cases in the fall. 

The post Google Maps Now Shows Covid-19 Case Trends first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Google has something in store for travelers once COVID-19 goes away, and it’s safe to travel again. If you like hiking, you’re going to love Google Maps’ new design. The app will now let you identify mountains, forests, and other natural features. Travelers from 220 countries can enjoy these new detailed maps. Moreover, Google says they’re adding details to street maps in selected cities. 

How Did Google Redesign Maps?

The Verge reports that Google used satellite images to redesign their maps. The company also used a “new color-mapping algorithmic technique” to the photos. Through this new technique, Google Maps shows the difference between snowy mountains, thick forests, and white-sand beaches. 

Google Maps is getting a lot more detail https://t.co/kg5A9dTQks pic.twitter.com/wl4nEWdWJi

— The Verge (@verge) August 19, 2020

Google Maps for Cities

If you’re not a hiker, you would also appreciate Google’s redesigned street maps. While you could only see city streets on Google Maps before, now you can see cafes, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings. People in New York, San Francisco, and London will enjoy this new Maps feature. 

Google Maps’ Competition

Other companies are also improving their maps software. For instance, Apple has updated its Maps with iOS 13. Apple’s new Maps gives you detailed directions for ten cities and 17 countries. Next, Apple also a new “Look Around” feature, which works like Google’s Street View. Apple users can now look around a real-world location as if they were also there.

Notably, Apple Maps also lets users share their ETA to their friends. You won’t have to keep them waiting every time you’re hanging out.

Google says it’s rolling out the new maps this week. Redesigned maps for New York, San Francisco, and London will also release in the next few months. Google says they’ll add more maps to more cities afterward.

The post Google Adds More Detail to Google Maps first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold