Since three years augmented reality on Google Maps is available to improve pedestrian navigation through the ‘Live View’ option.

Although this option was initially only enabled for Google Pixel phone owners, it now works on any mobile device that supports ARCore/ARKit.

ARCore is a system created by Google in 2017 for augmented reality experiences. Android devices have it to analyze the environment and make calculations that allow the location of virtual objects in the real world. ARKit is its equivalent on iPhones.

Google Maps LiveView

This feature allows you to move around a city with more precision and in a more visual way. For that, Google Maps uses the phone’s sensors and image recognition to recognize the environment, improve the location and show the most accurate directions..

‘Live View’ can only be used for pedestrian navigation, so it is not possible to use it from a moving vehicle.

(Also read: This is how you can see on Google Maps when the SITP bus will pass).

How to navigate with Live View?

-Open the Google Maps app on your mobile device.

-Enter the destination you are going to in the search bar.

-Select the option ‘How to get here’.

-At the top you will see different options to make your trip. Press ‘On foot’.

–Press the ‘Live View’ option that appears in the bottom center of the screen.

-Follow the instructions in the app to find your location. For this it is recommended to point the camera of your phone towards buildings or traffic signs.

-Check Goolge Maps instructions on how to get to your destination. If you put your phone away, the app will notify you of the next directions or when you arrive at your destination.

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