14 DAY TRIAL // The new HERE Maps application for Android devices has just been updated with two new major features, as well as lots of other minor ones that may not be available in all countries. Windows Phone users will be pleased to know that the update is available for their favorite platform as well.
According to developers, the update contains so many changes that they couldn’t list them all, but some of the most important have been detailed along with the places where they are available.
The first major new feature included in the latest HERE Maps update for Android and Windows Phone is called “building footprints” and is available in only 12 countries for the moment.
The feature was available in 7 European countries and in the US initially, but with the new update “building footprints” has become accessible to HERE Maps users in Belgium, Denmark, Italy and The Netherlands.
Building footprints was implemented in HERE Maps for quite some time, as the application has been showing the outline of individual buildings in numerous cities from several countries.
With “building footprints,” HERE engineers plan to add extra detail to the map in order to help users orient themselves much easier. This feature is extremely useful when you’re on foot, but helps drivers as well.
Another new feature included in the update is specific to certain cities, in this case Chicago. Basically, developers have improved transit lines by replacing the automatic algorithm that connects transit stops with each other. In addition, the “L” is now represented with more geographical accuracy.
Additional layers of info used to explain roads and POIs attributes have been included as well
But these are not the only important changes included in this update. HERE also states that the latest version of Maps brings additional layers of info that are used to describe the attributes of the roads and POIs (points of interest).
Keep in mind, though, that these additional layers of info can’t be seen by regular users, as the feature is aimed at autonomous and assisted driving solutions.
Windows Phone users who already have HERE Maps installed on their devices should open the settings application and tap the Applications tab / Maps / Check for updates.
Those who installed the application on their Android devices will have to wait until they are notified on the update. When it’s ready, Android users will have to open the application and tap the update button at the bottom of the screen when it’s open.
It’s also worth mentioning that in order to take advantage of the new features and improvements included in this update, you will have to restart HERE Maps.
