Google has released a new function in its navigation solution Google Maps that allows Google Maps to navigate more precisely in tunnels, enclosures and also in underground car parks. This is the possibility that Google Maps can access the signals from Bluetooth beacons, as Smart Droid reports.
The prerequisite, of course, is that there are Bluetooth beacons transmitting in the tunnels at all. Waze Bluetooth beacons are currently available in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Paris, Rio de Janeiro and Brussels.
However, if Bluetooth beacons are available, Google Maps can now receive their signals and thus precisely determine the position of the Android device and thus the vehicle. This means that precise positioning and thus precise navigation is possible even underground or when there is no GPS signal.
For example, anyone who has ever traveled in the complex tunnel systems in or under the Principality of Monaco would appreciate more precise Google Maps navigation thanks to Bluetooth beacons (if beacons are set up there). Because there you often have to get to the right exit in the tunnels. This is difficult without precise navigation. In vehicles with factory-installed navigation systems, counting the wheel revolutions can sometimes help to determine the vehicle position more precisely. But if you use a smartphone with a navigation app, a PND or a retrofit solution for Android Auto/Carplay, then this option is missing.
However, access to Bluetooth beacons is currently only available in the Android version of Google Maps. You can download Google Maps for Android here on Google Play. In addition, you must first activate the use of Bluetooth beacons in the app settings in the navigation settings area. Under the “Options for Motor Vehicles” you will find the item “Bluetooth beacons for tunnels”. But this should also be helpful in larger underground car parks, for example, if the owner sets up Bluetooth beacons there.
For iOS, Google has not yet enabled navigation using Bluetooth beacons in Google Maps. The navigation solution Waze, which also belongs to Google, also supports Bluetooth beacons and, as mentioned above, already uses them in selected cities.
