Google Maps has gotten a National Parks-friendly update with new features that include showing the whole length of hiking trails instead of just their midpoints. The new features are available in both web and mobile versions.
Other new or enhanced features include crowd-sourced tips and reviews of park features, better navigation to parks that have multiple road entrances and downloadable park maps that can be used when WiFi or cell signal is not available. Info is also available on most and least crowded times, and disability access.
The changes were planned with input from Park Service rangers and directors who advised on what information would be most useful as well as with feedback from Maps users.
The new features are available now for all U.S. National Parks, and Google plans to role similar enhancements for parks in other countries.
