- Live View uses augmented reality and the Visual Positioning System (VPS) to guide pedestrians with arrows in real time over the camera image.
- The Indoor Live View feature extends this capability to complex enclosed spaces such as airports and shopping malls to locate specific services.
- The system is compatible with Android devices that support ARCore and iPhones with ARKit, requiring the selection of walking mode for activation.
Augmented reality has become an incredible tool that is transforming how we interact with the world. We're not just talking about having fun with games like Pokémon GO, but about real-world applications that make our lives easier, from industrial design at companies like Ford to the urban navigation we use daily on our phones.
Within this ecosystem, Google Maps has taken a significant leap forward with Live View, a feature that blends what we see through the camera with digital data to ensure we don't get lost. It's the ideal solution for those moments when the GPS goes haywire amidst so many buildings and we don't know exactly which way to go.
What exactly is Live View and how does it work?
Basically, it's a pedestrian navigation system that uses the smartphone's camera to analyze the surroundings. Instead of relying solely on satellite signals, it uses the Visual Positioning System (VPS ), which recognizes elements such as traffic signs, street names, and building facades by consulting the Street View database.
When you activate this option, your phone identifies your exact location and projects giant arrows and signs onto the real-world image, guiding you step by step. It's a much more intuitive experience than trying to orient yourself using the blue arrow on a traditional map while walking through an unfamiliar city.
Steps to activate augmented reality navigation
If you want to try it, the first thing to do is make sure your device is compatible. You need an iPhone with ARKit support or an Android device that supports ARCore technology . Once you've verified this, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Maps app and search for the place you want to go.
- Press the button "How to get".
- It is essential that you select the icon of walking, since this function is not designed for drivers.
- Instead of clicking "Start", find and select the button for live view.
- Pick up your phone and point the camera towards the buildings and street signs so the system can locate you.
A useful trick is that, if you want to save battery (since the camera consumes quite a bit), you can put your phone horizontally to see the conventional map and then raise it vertically again when you need the augmented reality interface to appear.
Exploring the indoors with Indoor Live View
One of the most powerful new features is the arrival of Indoor Live View. Google has integrated AR navigation with its indoor maps to help us in places that are a real maze, such as large airports or massive shopping malls.
Thanks to the system's ability to accurately determine the altitude and location of objects within a structure, you can easily find your boarding gate , baggage carousels, restrooms, or even a specific store in a shopping mall, knowing exactly which floor it's on. Currently, this feature has begun rolling out in US cities (such as Los Angeles and San Francisco) and is scheduled to arrive soon at transportation hubs in Tokyo and Zurich.
Other smart improvements to Google Maps
Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, Google has also added weather information layers. It's now possible to check the current temperature and weather forecast for a specific area directly on the map. In addition, an air quality layer has been implemented, very useful for people with allergies or in areas with pollution, and is being rolled out first in countries like India, Australia, and the US.
Clarification note on the term Live View in photography
It's common to confuse this term, since in the world of DSLR photography, Live View refers to composing the image using the LCD screen instead of the optical viewfinder. Although they share the name, they are not the same thing. In photography, using the screen allows for more precise focusing with a tripod and the ability to view the histogram in real time , although at the cost of faster battery drain and some loss of stability when holding the camera.
Having a tool that combines artificial intelligence with computer vision makes navigating cities much smoother, eliminating the uncertainty of GPS errors and allowing real-time visual guidance to lead us precisely both on the street and inside even the most complex buildings . Share this information so more users can learn about it.