Google Maps App Update Brings 'Measure Distance' Feature to iPhone and iPad

[MacRumors]

Google updated the Google Maps app for iOS on Wednesday and brought a useful measurement feature to iPhone and iPad that has been available on the Maps web interface for some time.

Maps apps are usually the first port of call for finding out how far away somewhere is and how long it will take to get there via car, public transport, or walking, but these directions rarely reveal the actual distance between points and places on the map "as the crow flies".

With Google's new "measure distance" feature on iOS, however, it's possible to calculate the actual geographical distance between two or more points on the map. For example, it's now possible to measure the mileage in a straight line between two cities.

To measure a distance between two or more points in Google Maps, touch and hold anywhere on the map to make a red pin appear, and tap the name of the place at the bottom of the screen.

Now scroll down and choose "Measure distance", and move the map so that the black circle (or crosshairs) is on the next point you want to add. Then simply tap the blue "Add point" button.

You can continue to add as many points as you want, and the cumulative distance in miles or kilometers will update accordingly in the bottom left. To remove the last point you added, tap the Undo arrow in the top right. And to clear all the points, tap the three dots at the top right and select Clear.

Google Maps can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Google Maps App Update Brings 'Measure Distance' Feature to iPhone and iPad

 

[Ghost31]

And this among many other features is why I've stuck with google maps even though I've tried forcing myself to use apple map numerous times

 

[bigjnyc]

This is great for jogging, I use Gmap pedometer on the web to measure distances. I may have to download google maps again

 

[jlwarlow]

I'm still waiting for share my ETA so I can ditch Waze

 

[garrick2007]

Apple maps is the

And this among many other features is why I've stuck with google maps even though I've tried forcing myself to use apple map numerous times

Apple maps is like the only Apple app that I can not recommend anyone use, I still even prefer Old Aputure over current Lightroom. Google maps isn't perfect and it is a bit cluttered but it really gets the job done. Apple honestly should of just built with them, maybe just create a custom Apple like interface for the application. Obviously there head just isn't in it.

 

[44267547]

And this among many other features is why I've stuck with google maps even though I've tried forcing myself to use apple map numerous times

I see advantages to both Apple Maps and Google Maps. Both are respectable in their own rights, but Google Maps seems to expand more Capabilities and updates.

 

[maflynn]

I'm mostly a map agnostic user, what ever is easiest to use. Many times its google maps, but I also use Waze and Apple maps. This though is a nice feature.

 

[walnuts]

This is a welcome addition. Like bigjnyc, I use this on the web for planning runs and bike rides. It was frustrating not being able to use this feature say when traveling with just an iPad. Glad they added this!

 

[one more]

Pretty cool, tried measuring distances around nearby lakes, works just fine.

 

[Xtremjeepn]

Wow! Took them this long to add a feature paper maps have had for thousands of years....innovation!!!


This is actually one of several reasons paper maps still rule (or at least still supplement) for road trips and exploration.

 

[CarpalMac]

Wow! Took them this long to add a feature paper maps have had for thousands of years....innovation!!!

Should make the crows happy.

 

[BlueCreek]

It really does depend what I'm doing, I prefer the Apple Maps navigation and Siri integration, but I use Waze for long distance travel where I need traffic info, and google maps for finding more obscure locations/businesses since Apple maps serverly lacks in this!

 

[0098386]

And this among many other features is why I've stuck with google maps even though I've tried forcing myself to use apple map numerous times

This, and also Google Maps much much better traffic data.

 

[gsmornot]

Apple honestly should of just built with them, maybe just create a custom Apple like interface for the application. Obviously there head just isn't in it.

If you recall history, they did until Google decided to offer turn-by-turn navigation. Apple was not allowed access to the feature so they were forced to strike out on their own way before they were ready. Long term plans included maps built in house but in order to compete they had to move when they did. Google is still ahead in features but I continue to use Apple maps since it covers my needs. I may not be a great example though since I still use the GPS built into my car that has not been updated in years. Traffic data is delivered to my car via an FM radio feed, but it works and for the most part the nations major roads are the same. The ones that have changed have signs showing direction so it still works for me.

 

[haruhiko]

Long outstanding, well done!

 

[palmerc2]

And this among many other features is why I've stuck with google maps even though I've tried forcing myself to use apple map numerous times

You should be more optimistic. Apple Maps will catch up to Google Maps in 5 years.

By then Google Maps will advance 5 years.

 

[Frisco]

This has nothing on Bing Maps available in Windows 10 Creators Update. Check it out! Go to 11 Minute mark:

 

[jasonkratz]

You should be more optimistic. Apple Maps will catch up to Google Maps in 5 years.

By then Google Maps will advance 5 years.

In all the areas that really matter for day to day maps usage Maps has caught up in iOS. While Google spends time adding questionable features like measuring distance they should be spending time decluttering the UI which hasn't changed in years. Its an unreadable mess (no Google we don't need to see every street name on the map). Apple Maps in iOS 10 and 11 is gorgeous.

 

[kuwxman]

In all the areas that really matter for day to day maps usage Maps has caught up in iOS. While Google spends time adding questionable features like measuring distance they should be spending time decluttering the UI which hasn't changed in years. Its an unreadable mess (no Google we don't need to see every street name on the map). Apple Maps in iOS 10 and 11 is gorgeous.

Would hardly call Google Maps 'cluttered.' Measuring distances may be questionable for you, but it has been a much requested iOS feature for some time. The desktop and Android app has had the feature for years.

 

[jasonkratz]

Would hardly call Google Maps 'cluttered.' Measuring distances may be questionable for you, but it has been a much requested iOS feature for some time. The desktop and Android app has had the feature for years.

Much requested by who? Are you on the iOS Google Maps team or is this just speculation?

Tell you what....do a drive to work over a couple of days. Use Apple Maps one day and Google Maps the next (preferably wait for iOS 11...not sure if they made more UI tweaks or not. I do know they added lane guidance in 11). I don't think you can honestly tell me that the information provided on the map itself isnt much more dense in Google Maps vs Apple for no good reason. I'd also doubt you could honestly tell me the presentation of the other important data on the drive isn't better on Apple Maps vs Google. I use both apps on a regular basis. Google has better traffic data from my experience but the UI is so much better in Apple Maps I'm willing to give that up usually on my drives. The data in Apple Maps is usually good enough.

 

[Hustler1337]

I'm still waiting for share my ETA so I can ditch Waze

Time to start ditching Waze then. You can already share your ETA on Google Maps with their 'share location' feature. Never tried it though, but it looks pretty good from the videos: https://www.blog.google/products/maps/share-your-trips-and-real-time-location-google-maps/

 

[jlwarlow]

Time to start ditching Waze then. You can already share your ETA on Google Maps with their 'share location' feature. Never tried it though, but it looks pretty good from the videos: https://www.blog.google/products/maps/share-your-trips-and-real-time-location-google-maps/

Sharing location is there but sharing trip progress appears to be Andrpid only at the moment. The option seen in the video isn't present when I try on my iPhone.

 

[Blu Reel]

Apparently I don't use either map program (Apple and Google) enough to like or dislike either of them. But to the point of the article about measuring distance, all I can say is Finally!

 

[Hustler1337]

Sharing location is there but sharing trip progress appears to be Andrpid only at the moment. The option seen in the video isn't present when I try on my iPhone.

Hmmm, just tested it on my iPhone and I don't see that option either. Either it means that we need to turn on share location first or it's an Android-only exclusive as you say, i'm guessing its the latter. The blog seems to make it sound like it's also available on iOS, but having just read it again, it seems like it's only for location sharing.

Either way, I think location sharing feature is good enough and you can easily message your ETA at the start of your trip, although it won't update live. :/

 

[kuwxman]

Much requested by who? Are you on the iOS Google Maps team or is this just speculation?

Tell you what....do a drive to work over a couple of days. Use Apple Maps one day and Google Maps the next (preferably wait for iOS 11...not sure if they made more UI tweaks or not. I do know they added lane guidance in 11). I don't think you can honestly tell me that the information provided on the map itself isnt much more dense in Google Maps vs Apple for no good reason. I'd also doubt you could honestly tell me the presentation of the other important data on the drive isn't better on Apple Maps vs Google. I use both apps on a regular basis. Google has better traffic data from my experience but the UI is so much better in Apple Maps I'm willing to give that up usually on my drives. The data in Apple Maps is usually good enough.

My Apple Maps screenshot above is from iOS 11.