Google Maps is a great tool on-the-go, although it isn't very useful inside buildings ... well, at least it wasn't until now. Google has launched Google Maps 6.0 for Android devices which includes indoor plans of venues such as malls, retails stores, or airports. The user's current position inside a building is indicated in the same way as on the outside and it's also possible to switch between floors.
Initially, Google Maps 6.0 comes with indoor mapping of a number of places in the U.S. and Japan only. These include 17 U.S. airports (including San Francisco International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport), as well as stores and malls, such as Mall of America, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and IKEA.
The initial lineup of available buildings is fairly limited, but Google has plans for expansion based on feedback from users via an uploading tool that accepts any floor plans images, including blueprints, CAD drawings, or snapshots.
Apart from indoor mapping, Google Maps 6.0 mobile app comes with a new drop-down menu at the top toolbar that enables access to common features. Users can check maps for store labels, bathrooms, ATMs, airport gates, etc. and the Places home screen has also been refreshed to include some popular searches for your current location.
Google Maps 6.0 is compatible with devices running Android 2.1 or higher and the app is currently available for download.
The following video outlines the indoor mapping feature:
