Google enables real-time location sharing in Maps

Google is going to enable location sharing in Google Maps. A user can specify that specific contacts can track his or her location, which will then become visible in their Maps view in real time.

Users can indicate with whom and for how long the location may be shared. The latter option can also be shared until the function is turned off. Contacts can then see where they are on their map with an icon. You can also share the location via a link.

The user who shares his position will also see his own icon on the map on his own Maps view, as a sign that he has switched on the function. In addition, you can see a list of the contacts who have access to his or her location.

The ‘Share location’ function not only allows you to set a certain period, but can also share based on travel routes. Contacts can see the arrival date and time and can track the traveler until they reach their destination. At that point, the location sharing ends.

Google will soon release the update for Maps worldwide. The option to share is then in the Android and iOS apps. Users of those apps and of the browser version can track the locations. The social navigation app Waze, a subsidiary of Google, has had similar functionality for some time. Google already introduced the ‘Trusted Contacts’ app in December, which allows users to share their location in an emergency.