With its latest update, Google Maps is introducing a real-time location sharer that will allow you to send your exact position to a contact either directly or through a messenger like WhatsApp.
If you’re following Google Maps directions, you’ll be able to hit a ‘Share trip progress’ button, which will let your chosen contacts track exactly where you are on your journey and your ETA.
Or you can share your exact location to help you and a friend find each other in a crowd.
When you do choose to share your location, an icon appears above the compass to remind you people can see where you are. You can choose who you want to share it with and for how long you want to share it, or just turn it on indefinitely.
If you want to stop sharing, the feature should be easy enough to turn off.
Google said in an announcement: “You can change your mind and stop sharing at any time – it’s entirely up to you”.
The feature will soon start appearing on Google Maps for the iPhone and Android, but your contacts will also be able to see where you are from a desktop browser.
The service was available in older versions of the app. It was called Google Latitude, but disappeared with subsequent Google+ updates.
