Google Maps now uses Street View to show you exactly where to make turns

Google Maps has received a small design update that could be helpful when getting directions to someplace unfamiliar. When displaying a set of directions, Maps’ Android appwill now show Street View images of every road you’re supposed to turn onto. If you tap the image, Street View will open up to that location, showing an arrow in the direction you’re meant to turn.

It’s a small change, but it could make a difference at confusing intersections or for people (like me) who are very bad with street names. The change was spotted by Android Police.

Unfortunately, the images display as tiny thumbnails until you tap to open them up, so while the addition is definitely helpful, it’s not quite glanceable information — you’ll definitely have to tap to open every turn that you want to see in detail.

The feature only appears to be on Android for now. But Google’s iOS app usually has the same look and features, so it may just be a matter of time before it gets updated.

Android Police also points out that Google changed the bottom navigation bar when getting directions. It takes up a bit more of the screen now, but it’s also a bit more explicit about what tapping certain things will do. Altogether, seems like a smart change.