Google maps update: Use Bluetooth beacons for accurate tunnel travel

Bluetooth beacons are small transmitters that record the time vehicles travel in tunnels, provided that the tunnel is equipped with them. This allows monitoring the vehicle's speed and movement where GPS coverage is limited. In practice, it is an indispensable solution for precisely locating the user moving in a long tunnel. When going on vacation to countries where you expect such structures on the road, it is worth checking Google Maps settings beforehand.

According to signals from our readers, Bluetooth beacon support is not always enabled by default in Google Maps. Before going on vacation, as part of preparing for the route, it is worth looking into the settings and verifying whether the switch is properly set. If the function is turned off, during the drive in the tunnel, Google Maps predicts the driver's position on the map based on the typical travel time and entry speed. It is not possible to predict, for example, a traffic jam while driving through a tunnel or other random events this way.

To activate the described function, the Google Maps user must go to Navigation Settings, and then find the Bluetooth Beacons in Tunnels section, which is almost at the end of the list. After moving the slider, a notification about permissions will appear - at this stage, it is necessary to allow Google Maps access to the location. From this moment, navigation in tunnels should work more smoothly, provided that the beacons are located in the structures.

Preparing for a vacation trip with Google Maps, it is also worth checking other options in the application, which will help you navigate efficiently during vacation and plan the route. Drivers should also pay attention to the road difficulties map prepared by GDDKiA and the somewhat grim but eye-opening police map that records fatal road accidents.