Sure, Google Maps is almost as old as the internet itself.
It has its fair share of problems – for example this post about a common error code on Google Maps is one of our most popular.
But that said, it’s still the easiest way to navigate from one location to another – when it works, the blue dot is a useful feature. Google Maps in “app” form also helps in exploring several other things such as nearby petrol pumps, hospitals, restaurants, etc in a particular area. But to get the most accurate results, it is necessary for the app to get the most precise location (the Blue dot on the map).
Also, sometimes the app finds it hard to locate the current position and hence fails to deliver the proper results. Having said that, there could be several reasons behind this, like weak GPS signal or compass not being properly calibrated. So, in case, you are facing a similar issue then in this how-to guide, we are going to tell you three ways which can help you improve the location accuracy in Google Maps.
But, before moving forward, it is essential to know how Google Maps tracks the location.
– GPS: aka satnav, this uses satellites to get the location up to 20 metres.
– Wi-Fi: The nearby Wi-Fi helps the app to know the location
– Mobile networks: This provides the most accurate location
In case any of these signals are weak, Google Maps can struggle to get a precise location. Now, let’s have a look at the methods to fix them.
How to manually calibrate the GPS
This is helpful when the Blue dot beam is wide or pointing in the wrong direction.
- Open Google Maps app on your Android smartphone
- Start making a figure 8 until the compass is calibrated.
- Turn on High-accuracy mode
- Head to ‘Settings’ on your Android smartphone
- Go to the ‘Location’ option
Turn of the Location services using the toggle at the top
Now, head to the Mode and choose ‘High-accuracy’ option
Internet search giant Google is rolling out a new feature in Google Maps that will let its users know if a place they are looking up on the platform is accessible via a wheelchair.
CEO Sundar Pichai announced the rollout of the new feature on Twitter:
We’re introducing new accessibility tools including more prominent wheelchair accessibility info in @GoogleMaps, on… https://t.co/Mv2Iq5ocBy— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) 1590082595000
The new feature is being rolled out to both Android and iOS users for Google Maps users in Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, the company announced in a blog post with a promise of support for additional countries on the way.
The company asks its users to update its Google Maps apps to the latest version to get this feature.
In order to turn it on, users will be required to go to Settings by tapping on the picture on the top right corner and scroll down to ‘Accessibility settings’ on turn on ‘Accessible Places.’
Once this feature is enabled, Google Maps users will be able to see a wheelchair icon that indicates whether or not the place is accessible via a wheelchair. Not only that, the app will also segregate that the accessibility is in terms of entrance, seating, restrooms and parking by providing an individual check mark for each of them. This can be seen by tapping on a particular location and scrolling down to find all the details of that place such as contact number, rating, website, etc. “If it’s confirmed that a place does not have an accessible entrance, we’ll show that information on Maps as well,” said Google.
The company has also said that for iPhone users, it is making it easier to contribute accessibility information.
Google also says that during this time of Covid-19, it is especially important for its users to know before they go to a place so that they won’t be stranded outside.
