Google Maps testing entrance indicators for buildings and attractions, enhancing navigation precision and user experience

Google Maps continues to evolve as a go-to tool for navigation and exploration, and a recent experiment suggests that it may soon offer even more precise guidance for entering and exiting buildings and attractions. This experiment, spotted by some users, introduces an icon indicating entrance and exit points when selecting a location on the map.

In our own testing, we've observed this experiment in action on Google Maps version 11.17.0101 on a Google Pixel 7a device. Entrances are depicted as round, white circles with an entry symbol, visible only when sufficiently zoomed in on a selected location. However, it appears that this feature is currently limited to a small subset of users and buildings, with varying availability across different regions and types of establishments.

Selected businesses or buildings are highlighted in red, making them stand out from surrounding locations. This visual distinction aids in quickly identifying the desired destination on the map. However, we've noted that the accuracy of entrance locations may vary, particularly for smaller buildings where exact positioning may be less critical.

Our testing encompassed various types of establishments in cities like New York City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Berlin, Germany. While entrances were visible for some locations, they were absent for others, suggesting ongoing data collection and refinement by Google. Additionally, we observed instances where entrances were depicted with a simpler green arrow in a white circle, though the criteria for displaying each icon type remains unclear.

This new entrance indicator feature appears to draw inspiration from Google Maps' recent enhancements to public transit navigation, where it now provides precise entry and exit points for train and subway stations in select cities. Such granularity is particularly valuable in complex stations spanning multiple streets and levels underground.

we observed instances where entrances were depicted with a simpler green arrow in a white circle, though the criteria for displaying each icon type remains unclear

Entrances are depicted as round, white circles with an entry symbol, visible only when sufficiently zoomed in on a selected location

this feature is currently limited to a small subset of users and buildings, with varying availability across different regions and types of establishments

While the entrance indicator feature is still in its early stages, its potential to streamline navigation and enhance user experience is evident. As Google continues to refine and expand this functionality, it holds promise for making it significantly easier to navigate the intricacies of entering buildings and attractions. Users can expect further improvements and broader availability as Google refines this feature in the coming months.