If you use Google Maps to guide you when you drive, you have probably gone through a tunnel on some occasion and seen that the signal is lost. It is quite normal, since the GPS goes there. Although it may continue to function approximately, you could get lost, take an incorrect exit and get completely lost. This may be coming to an end, as Google is going to use a different connection to use its maps app inside tunnels.
It’s about using Bluetooth beacons. An idea from Google to avoid these problems when using GPS navigation applications inside tunnels. Especially when it is a system of long tunnels with different exits. A tunnel on a highway, where you know you are going to exit in the same direction, is not the same as another in the heart of a big city, with multiple lanes and exits.
Bluetooth so that Google Maps works in tunnels
What Google Maps has come up with is to use beacons that work via Bluetooth. By default, this option is disabled on Android devices but they will have the ability to connect to these Bluetooth beacons that will be distributed through the tunnels within cities, where GPS does not work.
The objective is for drivers to continue receiving information about exits within these tunnels, accident alerts or any information that is important for driving. This is not new, since this was already available in another quite popular application, such as Waze. However, it is Google Maps that, at least in Spain, we tend to use the most.
Logically, for this function to be used, it is necessary that these tunnels have Bluetooth beacons. At the moment, it is not something that is present in many tunnels in the world, but it is spreading little by little. For example, they are already present in tunnels in large cities such as New York, Rio de Janeiro, Paris or Mexico City, among many others.
No privacy issues
As is often the case, doubt may arise as to whether this technology really protects privacy. The truth is that yes, since Bluetooth beacons send information unidirectionally to the drivers’ phone. Therefore, there is no privacy problem due to having to exchange information.
These beacons will use low power Bluetooth connection and run on a battery. At the moment, this feature is only available on Android devices. For now, it cannot be used on the iPhone, although it is hoped that it will be possible in the future. It is a feature that is just being implemented and still has a long way to go.
And yes, you can now enable it on your Android phone. To do this you have to open the Google Maps application, go to Navigation Settings and there you will see Bluetooth Tunnel Beacons. By default, you will see that it is disabled. It is as simple as enabling this function and it could detect these Bluetooth beacons that may be in tunnels where you pass through.
In short, Google is starting to use the Bluetooth connection to improve driving through tunnels. Although there are risks to keeping Bluetooth always on, the truth is that, when used correctly, it is a tool that can be quite useful.
