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Here’s why Tampa tourists could benefit from Google’s landmark-based map app

Don't know where Dale Mabry Highway is? How about Starbucks?
Credit: 10News Staff
The Google Maps app will start using landmarks for directions.

TAMPA, Fla. -- If you use your smartphone for directions, Google might be about to change the way you get from here to there.

The Google Maps app is incorporating landmarks into its turn-by-turn directions to become more conversational.

Think about it. If you give somebody directions, is it more likely that you would tell them to hang a right on a particular street? Or, is it more likely that you would tell them to hang a right at the McDonald’s?

The idea and logic behind Google Maps new app feature could be most important in areas like Tampa Bay with high tourist populations and drivers who don’t often know the local roads.

Monica Cannon, for example, visiting from San Diego, says if she had to rely on road names alone she would basically be lost. But if her smartphone told her to hang a right at Starbucks? No problem!

“I think for tourists, they can get that. People can figure it out,” said Cannon.

On social media, a few Google guinea pigs say their map app is already giving them the new verbal cues.

Drivers like Nicholas Diaz say it just seems more natural.

“I’m bad with street names. You know, especially in this area,” said Diaz, “I feel like landmarks are a lot easier to find.”

But not everyone is sold on it quite yet.

Some people wonder what they would do in a quieter neighborhood without landmarks?

And what happens if a restaurant closes, or a landmark store goes out of business?

“Frequent updates would be needed,” said Amanda Davis, “To make sure that it’s accurate.”

Professional drivers who often rely on a little Google guidance say visiting motorists can use all the help they can get.

“We have spring breakers, we have spring training and all that going on. That would help traffic move - I think, a lot quicker,” said Uber driver Dave Greif.

In fact, most ride-share drivers we spoke with seemed to like the idea. Some considered the landmark lingo safer, too. Giving them the opportunity to keep their eyes on what’s in front of them, rather than glancing at a map to read a street name, or check a distance to a turn.

“And, you know you could see it out of the corner of your eye. Whatever it was. McDonald’s, a Publix sign,” said driver John Vantassel.

“Anything will help, because sometimes you can’t really see the streets,” said driver Selina Matthews. “Or, it’ll say a thousand feet when it’s 500 feet. So, a landmark would be helpful.”

For now, the Google Maps update is still in testing stages along with a few other ideas aimed at making unfamiliar terrain a little easier to navigate. No word yet on when Google might roll-out its landmark version of turn by turn directions to the rest of us.

So far, it appears the idea is being tested in a few select cities.

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