The discovery of restaurants and places is a larger part of Google Maps. The company also plans include recommendations from the crowdsourced Local Guide in the “For You” tab. In the meantime, Google Maps for Android has a new 3D layer command on the navigation front.
Local guides are how Google refers to users who contribute to Maps reviews, images, and other knowledge (such as business hours and closures). There is an show points and rating system that nets various benefits, with 120 million active members being reported by Google today.
In the “For You” tab, maps for Android and iOS already leverage a mix of editorial and algorithms. Recommendations from top local guides will soon feature that feed. This new integration is being advertised by Google as a way to “Discover places from locals.”
People in Bangkok, Delhi, London, Mexico City, New York, Osaka, San Francisco, São Paulo, and Tokyo will soon see top Local Guides featured in the For You tab of the Google Maps app.
You will be able to follow local guides in these nine cities and see their recommendations appear alongside other places in For you. The company has not specified which tier crowdsourced users should reach to appear in the feed.
Although local recommendations are still being piloted by Google Maps, today’s Android app has rolled out a way to control the effects of building “3D.” Below the search field, the FAB layers have a new 3D icon under “Map details.”
The 3D view provides a sense of depth and shadow even when looking at a flat surface. That said, the viewing of maps at an angle is much more apparent. In packed cities, the ability to disable the effect is particularly useful and helps declutter your skyscrapers screen. The new 3D control of Google Maps is widely adopted on Android, but not yet available on iOS.
