Google Maps have received a new update that makes it easier for users to share their location using Plus Codes. The new change is rolling out to Google Maps for Android through the latest version. Notably, Google Maps has the option to show Plus Codes since August 2015. The new change, however, is aimed to expand Plus Codes usage by allowing users to easily share their locations. There is no word on when iOS users will get the latest Google Maps update.
With the new update, Google Maps lets you share the six-digit Plus Code by tapping the blue dot that represents your current location. You’ll get the Plus Code for your location alongside options that allow you to see nearby places, share your location, and save your parking.
Once the screen to show you the Plus Code for your location emerges on top of the map, you just need to tap the code to copy it to your clipboard for sharing with your contacts. Google says that with the latest update sharing location has become as easy as giving anyone a phone number.
The latest change is limited to Android users. However, users on iOS can also get Plus Codes of any location by tapping and holding the map to drop a pin at a certain location. Google Maps users on Android can also use the pin to get a Plus Code of a particular location.
Plus Codes can be used to help anyone find a location doesn’t even have a proper address. These are derived from latitude and longitude coordinates.
Google began with Plus Codes in 2015 and introduced them in India in March 2018. The technology is open source and free to use. This means that apart from the search giant, developers and other companies can also use Plus Codes.
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