Google recently updated its Google Maps interface to better display important information on the platform through a few user interface (UI) tweaks.
The server-side update will roll out to all existing devices that carry the feature, such as iOS, Android and PC versions, and the changes should be viewable on these devices starting today without the need to update.
It's actually minimal graphical enhancements that won't be noticeable unless users are directed to the changes. These include highlighted areas of interest and a new color scheme. In addition, Google has removed the previous road outlines to better reflect the new UI changes, alongside improved street name typographies, public stations and "points of interest."
"[A]s part of this update, we've removed elements that aren't absolutely required (like road outlines)," writes Google in its announcement, adding that important information that is actually needed is now "more distinguishable from other things on the map, helping [users] navigate the world with fewer distractions."
In an example, if users were to look at the outline of a building — specifically, ones that are most frequented in an area, such as restaurants, hotels and the likes — they will notice that these recreational establishments will be highlighted with a light touch of orange instead of getting labeled with the previous cluster of texts. Users can then zoom in to better view what these establishments are and the services that are most likely offered.
For a little insight into the process, the new feature is powered by a dedicated algorithm that automatically checks areas with the "highest concentration of restaurants, bars and shops." Google assures users, however, that places like New York City and other "high-density" areas were manually modified to provide more accurate and pertinent information.
Moving forward, users can now easily navigate the Google map without being bombarded with various information through the so-called areas of interest feature. Specifically, users will only see what they want to know when they want to acquire it.
As for the general side of things, Google has tweaked the map's overall color scheme to better differentiate places and key aspects from one another. Users should be able to easily identify "man-made or natural features" as well as "hospitals, schools or highways" with just one look at their screens. Of course, the new coloring scheme should be memorized at first, though these subtle changes pretty much stay true to its real-world appearance, like blue hues for bodies of water, greens for natural features, orange colors for human activity and the red tag for search results.
Those who wish to view a more comprehensive color wheel may check the provided infographic posted below:
