this is how you use the more accurate location determination

Google Maps can more accurately determine your location using Street View data. You have to activate the function yourself first and we’ll explain how.

Google Maps Location

If you get lost or find yourself in a city you’ve never been to, you can always count on Google Maps to help you out. Although we should really say “almost always”, because Google admits that satellite navigation via GPS can sometimes fall short in busy cities. In that case, Maps is less accurate than you’d like.

Google has a solution for this and with that you can calibrate the accuracy of Maps to increase the accuracy. Google will use your phone’s camera to see where you are nearby, and that data will be compared with Street View data to accurately determine your location.

This is how you set it up

If you want to use the function, press the blue ball in the app that indicates your location to open a menu. You then choose ‘Calibrate with Live View’ at the bottom. Google Maps will then request access to your camera and you will be warned that you still need to keep a close eye on traffic. Next, Maps asks you to point your phone at the buildings in your area.

In my case, all I had to do was point my phone through the window at the buildings across my street for it to work. Finally, you will see the message ‘Your location is very accurate’ on the map.

Another method to get more accurate location tracking is to calibrate your phone’s compass. You can also do this via the ‘menu of the blue dot’. Then tap ‘Calibrate compass’ at the bottom left of that menu and make a movement in the shape of the number ‘8’. Recently, Google also unveiled this handy Insights function in the timeline and traffic lights on Dutch roads. Have you ever calibrated the location determination in Maps? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this article.

Original Publication Date: July 15, 2020 / Republished: July 12, 2021