Google Maps and Waze just got several new useful features

Google just announced a set of new features for Google Maps and Waze. Now, both services are more useful and functional for finding the best way to your destination. The new features make it easier to avoid traffic incidents and potential traffic tickets.

Now it’s easier to report traffic incidents on Google Maps

First, Google Maps is making it easier to report traffic-stopping incidents so that the entire community is alerted. This includes situations such as police presence, nearby construction, or lane closures, among others. Reports can come from both Maps and Waze navigation service. Maps will show which app the alert is coming from more clearly with larger icons.

Google is also enhancing navigation in Maps with new guidance. The feature is designed to save you headaches thinking about how to enter or where to park at your destination. Now, the app will highlight the building you’re heading to and its entrance as you approach. This way, there will no longer be confusion about where to park in an unfamiliar place.

Waze camera alerts save you potential traffic fines

Regarding Waze, Google is adding camera alerts. These notifications will alert you when there are cameras installed along the road. Local governments in some countries install cameras to make sure drivers are following the laws. However, you might not be aware of those laws if you’re a new visitor. So, the alerts will let you know if there are cameras and what type they are (for example, for speed limit, lane sharing, seat belt use, etc.). As with traffic incident alerts, the camera alert data is community-driven. The system combines both user-provided information and data published by local authorities.

Waze is also getting a traffic-related feature that allows real-time sharing of information about incidents-related events. Whether it’s a concert, a football game, or any other such event, users will receive a notification about how that event is affecting current traffic. So, you can avoid potential traffic jams and other annoying situations.

Waze now supports locked-screen navigation

Lastly, Waze is getting support for navigation with your device’s screen locked. So, now users will get directions, navigation instructions, traffic alerts and more important information without unlocking their phone.

All of the Google Maps and Waze features mentioned above are rolling out now. However, Waze users on Apple iOS will have to wait until the fall to get locked-screen navigation.