Navigating is one of the most essential and exciting activities that we do in our lives. Whether we are traveling to a new destination, exploring a new city, or finding our way around a familiar place, navigating can help us discover new places, cultures, and experiences. However, navigating can also be challenging, especially when we are not familiar with the location, language, or culture of the place that we are visiting. That's where Google AR can help.
Google AR is a technology that blends the digital and physical worlds, allowing you to see and interact with virtual content in your real environment. Google AR can enhance your navigating experience by letting you use 3D maps, directions, landmarks, and information to find your way around more easily and enjoyably. In this blog post, we will show you how to use Google AR to navigate more effectively and enjoyably.
Use 3D Maps with Google Earth
One of the easiest ways to use Google AR for navigating is through Google Earth. Earth is a service that helps you explore the world in 3D from your phone or computer. You can use Earth to:
- View satellite imagery, terrain, and 3D buildings of any place on the planet
- Fly over cities, mountains, oceans, or landmarks in 3D using your finger or mouse
- Measure distances, areas, or elevations of any location or feature
- Learn about the history, culture, or nature of any place using Voyager stories or Wikipedia articles
- Create your own maps or stories using photos, videos, text, or drawings
To use Earth, simply go to earth.google.com or download the app on your phone or tablet. You can then search for any place that you want to explore or browse the featured collections. You can also view any place in AR using your phone by tapping on the "View in 3D" button.
Use Directions with Google Maps
Another way to use Google AR for navigating is through Google Maps. Maps is a service that helps you get around the world by providing directions for driving, biking, walking, or public transit. You can use Maps to:
- Find the best route to your destination based on traffic conditions, travel times, transit schedules, and more
- Discover places nearby or around the world based on your interests such as restaurants, shops, museums, or parks
- Save your favorite places or share them with others
- See street views or indoor maps of any place that you want to visit
One of the most innovative features of Maps is Live View. Live View is designed to let you use AR to help you navigate when walking. It uses the camera on the rear of the phone to identify where you are and superimposes directions and details on the display. For example, you can:
- See arrows and directions overlaid on your real-world view to guide you along your route
- See icons and labels for nearby places like restaurants, shops, or landmarks
- See distance and arrival time information on the bottom of your screen
- See your current location and orientation on a mini map on the top right corner of your screen
To use Maps, simply go to maps.google.com or download the app on your phone or tablet. You can then enter your destination and choose your mode of transportation. To use Live View, tap on the walking mode and then tap on the Live View button.
Use Landmarks with Google Lens
A third way to use Google AR for navigating is through Google Lens. Lens is a service that helps you see more with your phone's camera. You can use Lens to:
- Identify landmarks such as buildings, monuments, statues, or bridges by pointing your camera at them
- Learn about their history, significance, or trivia using Google Search or Wikipedia
- See related images or videos of the landmarks from different angles or perspectives
- See directions or distances to the landmarks from your current location
To use Lens, simply open the app and point your camera at the landmark that you want to learn about. You can also access Lens from Google Photos or Google Assistant by tapping on the Lens icon.
Use Information with Google Translate
A fourth way to use Google AR for navigating is through Google Translate. Translate is a service that helps you communicate in different languages by translating text, speech, images, or handwriting. You can use Translate to:
- Translate text from any language into another by typing it in or copying it from another app
- Translate speech from any language into another by speaking into your microphone or using conversation mode
- Translate images from any language into another by pointing your camera at them or uploading them from your gallery
- Translate handwriting from any language into another by drawing it on your screen
One of the most useful features of Translate is Instant Camera. Instant Camera is designed to let you use AR to translate text from images in real time. It uses the camera on the rear of the phone to scan the text and overlay the translation on the display. For example, you can:
- Translate signs, menus, labels, or instructions from any language into another by pointing your camera at them
- See the translation in the same font, size, and color as the original text
- See the translation in different languages by swiping left or right on the screen
- See the original text by tapping on the pause button
To use Translate, simply go to translate.google.com or download the app on your phone or tablet. You can then choose the languages that you want to translate from and to. To use Instant Camera, tap on the camera icon and point your camera at the text that you want to translate.
Conclusion
Google AR is a technology that can enhance your navigating experience by letting you use 3D maps, directions, landmarks, and information to find your way around more easily and enjoyably. You can use Google AR through various products and services such as Google Earth, Google Maps, Google Lens, and Google Translate. Try them out today and see how you can navigate more effectively and enjoyably with Google AR.