Google Maps Updated, Google Earth Is Next

Google Maps, the web-based service that allows users to view maps and satellite imagery, received one more update to improve its functionality. As you know, the product is able to provide driving directions but sometimes, the suggestions are not very useful to some users. For example, a scooter rider cannot drive onto a highway because his maximum speed is not allowed on this type of roads. That's why Google decided to design one more feature for the driving suggestions and provide directions with the possibility of avoiding the highways. The function is available in the Get Directions menu just under the Search Results tab showing the optimal route. Of course, some directions can take you on a longer route but it can be somehow useful as you avoid the highways and the prohibited roads.

"When you click the the "Avoid Highways" checkbox, the route instantly updates to one that tries very hard to stay off of interstates, motorways, and other major roadways. This may give you a much longer path, but one that you may find more suitable. If it isn't what you want, you can uncheck the box and quickly revert to the normal route to help plan your trip," Barry Brumitt, Software Engineer, said today.

If you want to take a test drive of this new feature, you can try searching for the route between Seattle and the Google office in Kirkland. As you can see, the filter appears under the Search Results tab and will remove some roads from the list. The update is currently available only for Google Maps, but I believe the search giant will make it compatible with the downloadable application Google Earth soon, as the competition in this category becomes more important. A few weeks ago, Yahoo improved its Maps service, including high-resolution photos for a lot of European countries.