In one of its smallest, yet most useful updates ever, Google Maps has now begun displaying whether a location, such as a building or restaurant, is accessible by wheelchair.
The service sources this information from its human Local Guides, who answer questions about the places they visit, indicating things like average cost and parking. Google told Business Insider that its database of responses has now run into the millions, and so it’s confident about including these results on its listings in Maps.
You’ll be able to find wheelchair accessibility information under the Amenities section when looking up any establishment in Maps, and you can also add your own findings on the same screen. Alternatively, you can head into the ‘Your contributions’ section in Maps’ menu on Web and mobile to answer questions about places you’ve been.
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The new feature was built by Rio Akasaka, a product manager for Google Drive who took advantage of the ‘20% time’ that Google offers employees to work on their own projects. More updates like this, please, Google.
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