Tunnels have long posed a navigation challenge for users of Google Maps. When driving through these subterranean passages, determining your precise location can become a daunting task, especially in long tunnels. Acknowledging this issue, navigation services have been exploring ways to minimize errors in such scenarios. Google Maps, in particular, has adopted a solution reminiscent of Waze – Bluetooth beacons.
The Tunnel Navigation Challenge
Tunnels, particularly lengthy ones, have always been a source of frustration for GPS-based navigation systems like Google Maps. Traditionally, these systems relied on calculating your average speed and the tunnel’s maximum speed limit to estimate your position. While this approach reduced location inaccuracies, it often led to recalculations once you emerged from the tunnel.
Bluetooth Beacons to the Rescue
Enter Bluetooth beacons – a game-changer for tunnel navigation, but with a catch. This innovative solution, currently exclusive to Android users, allows Google Maps to pinpoint your location with precision, even in the absence of nearby satellites. However, it comes with certain limitations.
How to Activate Bluetooth Tunnel Beacons
Activating this feature is a breeze. Android users can access it through Google Maps settings. Here’s how:
- Open Google Maps.
- Go to Settings.
- Navigate to “Navigation settings.”
- Look for the “Bluetooth tunnel beacons” option.
- Enable it.
By enabling this feature, your Google Maps will utilize Bluetooth beacons in tunnels to improve location accuracy significantly.
Wider Availability
According to reports, Google introduced the ability to determine location based on tunnel beacons back in October, initially testing it with a limited user group. However, it has now been extended to a broader audience. To check if you have access to this feature, ensure that your Google Maps app is up-to-date by checking for pending updates in your application store.
Waze and Beyond
Notably, while Google Maps users are now benefiting from Bluetooth beacons, Waze users have enjoyed this functionality for some time. It’s worth monitoring how this feature may affect device battery life and whether the tunnels on your regular routes have Bluetooth beacons installed.
For now, Google Maps continues to dominate the navigation app landscape, offering users comprehensive maps and a wealth of information. It remains the preferred choice for many, surpassing competitors like Waze, Apple Maps, and third-party alternatives. With innovations like Bluetooth beacons, Google Maps continues to enhance the user experience, making navigation through tunnels a breeze.
