Google Maps is reportedly testing entry and exit icons on large buildings

Google Maps may be working on an important accessibility feature, according to a report. The popular mapping platform is said to be working on a new feature that shows the entrances and exits of large buildings to help users navigate directions and park vehicles in more convenient locations. The feature has reportedly appeared on the Google Pixel 7a, so it’s likely being tested for Android, but it can’t be confirmed if the same feature is being made for iOS.

A report from Android Authority highlighted that the feature appeared during app testing. It was available on Google Maps for Android version 11.17.0101 on the Google Pixel 7a. At Gadgets 360, we were unable to see the feature in the Google Maps app with the same version number. This is probably because the Pixel smartphone is running a beta version of Android. According to the report, entrances and exits were visible when zooming in on a building.

While zoomed in, selecting a building will display white circular icons with green outlines and highlight the building in a red shade. The circle contains an input icon (an open square bracket with an arrow symbol pointing at it). The icon appeared in front of where the buildings’ entrances are supposed to be, according to the report. The post opened the entrances in New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco in the US and around Berlin, Germany.

An anomaly was also noticed in the feature. While some buildings had the aforementioned icon, some others displayed a simple circle with an arrow icon. The publication also emphasizes that for some buildings the icon is not placed exactly at the entrance. However, these anomalies can be attributed to the feature being in the testing phase and will likely be ironed out by the time it is released to the general public.

Last month, a report revealed that Google Maps may soon release an update that overhauls the design of certain elements. The tech giant is said to have redesigned the way the user interface for searching for directions and selecting locations is displayed in the app, ditching the full screen in favor of a bottom scrolling layout. Additionally, the report claims that clicking on a specific transport mode only expands the bottom sheet, with the map still visible in the background.