Using Google Maps as a GPS, or more specifically, as a map and guide, is well known to everyone. In fact, Who hasn't ever used Google Maps to search for a street or establishmentHowever, it still has a very large Achilles heel, the indoor and covered areaslike buildings and shopping malls. In November they launched an application that allowed uploading maps of interior areas. Now, they launch a new one to improve localization in covered areas, called Google Maps Floor Plans Tool.
Yes, for now only available in the United States, something that does not happen in the location of infections by COVID-19. Although as it happened with the one that allowed uploading maps of closed premises and establishments, It is expected to expand to more regions.
Why GPS fails indoors and what signals Google uses
The problem with indoor localization is the weak satellite signal in closed spaces and places with multiple floors. However, it is not the only way to locate our position. For example, triangulating with the mobile signal, greater precision is achieved than with GPS alone.
Well, what Google is looking for now is dispense with the GPS signalas it is very weak indoors, and use all other signals present in that particular location: points WiFi, GSM/3G/4G/5G telecommunications antennas, measurements of inertial sensors of the phone (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer) and even visual or environmental references when available.
Google Maps Floor Plans Tool/Marker: How to Calibrate a Building
Thus, the work of Google Maps Floor Plans Tool (and its companion app Floor Plan Marker) is locate the position of the transmitters of those signs in closed premises that already have a map uploaded by a user or owner. The app guides the person carrying the smartphone around the entire premises, recording the detected signals and associating them with the corresponding plant.
In fact, the best of all is that, if we have uploaded the plans of several floors of the same place, and after we have marked the places that this application asked us, Google Maps will be able to automatically recognize the plant where we are and show us the corresponding map. The application is now available in Google Play, but yes, for now for US citizens only and in English.
View interiors and navigate buildings on Google Maps
- On a computer: Open Google Maps, search for a location, and when indoor maps are available, zoom in and click on the building; at the bottom right you will see the level selector.
- To explore visual content, scroll down to the section 360Âş photos or indoor Street View (when available). Not all locations They have 360Âş photos.
- On mobile: Find the building and tap its name. If there's an indoor map, you'll see a color change on the plane and a switch for change plants.
In supported buildings, Google Maps displays lounges, shops, boarding gates and services (including bathrooms). This feature is present in airports, stations, museums, universities and shopping centersFor example, major airports and landmark museums in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, ​​and Bilbao already feature this view in many areas.
Indoor Live View and immersive interior views
Google complements indoor maps with Indoor Live View, using AI and global localization to compare images of the environment with Street View and orient yourself with augmented reality arrows within complex areas (airports, interchanges or shopping centers). deployment is gradual and has started in several cities, with expansions planned to more locations.
In addition, Google is working on immersive interior views that bring a Street View-like experience inside selected buildings, accessible from the map or from live view when available. This experience will be rolled out in phases.
The technology behind it: precision and multi-sensor strategies
Indoor localization combines several techniques to achieve accuracies of 1–5 meters and frequent updates. Highlights include: WiFi (trilateration and fingerprinting), Bluetooth Low Energy (beacons), inertial sensors (reconstruct movement and help detect plant changes), and approaches visual or light-based when infrastructure exists. On iOS, access to WiFi scanning is more restricted, so it is more frequently used BLE beacons, which can cause problems compass or inaccurate location.
The best results come with a multisensor strategy: : merges WiFi/BLE with inertial and building map for a stable, stutter-free experience with automatic plant detection. In addition, it is advisable to review the location settings on the device to maximize accuracy and permissions.
Administrators: Update, remove, or report issues
If you manage a building, you can update plans and floor plan data by contacting Google support for indoor plans. It is also possible withdraw plans or tours from your account; although Google may retain copies not linked to your profile, they will no longer be associated with you.
Having trouble with a non-public building or map? Use the options Report a problem and includes “interior map removal” in the description if applicable. This option not available in all countries.
Note for owners: The Floor Plan Marker app is intended for those who have already uploaded the interior map of the building and need to tour the premises following the instructions to send measurements that improve accuracy on Google Maps.
The goal of this entire ecosystem is that whether you visit a museum or an airport or manage a campus, Find and offer clear routes, useful content and reliable positioning inside buildings.
