With billions of users worldwide, it’s no secret that Google Maps is one of the most popular apps in the world, and for good reason — it gets you where you want to go, as quickly as possible. Millions use it every day to get around and access traffic and transit information, among other things. Google is constantly adding new features to help you get the most out of it, not just for getting around but also to help users stay better informed while on the road.
Google Maps recently added a new feature that shows traffic lights at streets in a number of cities across the U.S. The new traffic icons can be seen both in the app (Android and iOS) and on the desktop version at intersections in most cities across the country. Traffic lights are visible on the regular map and in navigation mode, helping you stay on guard at all times throughout your trip.
Although the new traffic lights feature doesn’t show if the light is currently red, green or yellow, it’s still a great tool that will make your life as a driver easier. Traffic lights, a highly requested feature for years, have appeared on Google Maps Japan for a while and Apple Maps added it to its Maps app over a year ago.
Here’s the new road icons appear on Google Maps:
In addition to the traffic lights feature, Google Maps’ latest update adds a new color-mapping algorithmic technique that allows users to identify terrain types like forests and beaches, and it also provides “detailed street information that shows the accurate shape and width of a road to scale.” The update also includes improved drawings of sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian islands especially designed for those who have accessibility needs.
Have you used the new traffic lights feature on Google Maps? Let us know in the comments below!