Google Maps updates with a very useful new feature: it will warn users in case of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods
Google strengthens its SoS Alerts service and adds new tabs and useful information in Google Maps in case of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods. At the same time, along with this information, Maps will give more information to its users so that they can avoid driving in areas considered at risk.
This new feature of Maps is part of an overall strengthening of SoS Alerts: much more information, for example, will be given already within the search results page of Google Search. There is now also a feature to send, via Google Maps, your location in the event of a disaster to a number of selected contacts, in order to let them know where we are and that we are okay. These new features will be released gradually by late summer globally, both in the Android and iOS apps and on the Google Maps website.
Google Maps: SoS earthquakes, flooding and hurricanes
After an earthquake, Google Maps will send detailed information about the seismic event to its users who live in the affected area. But also to those who have planned a route with a passage in the area affected by the earthquake. Alternative road directions will also be given, to avoid passing through areas where roads may have been damaged. Still detailed, and anticipated on the basis of weather forecasts, the indications that Maps will be able to give in case of flood or hurricane. Drawing from various sources (from official weather services to local Civil Protection bodies) Google Maps will provide the map of the area where the flood could occur shortly, with indications on the areas more or less at risk. In case of hurricane, instead, it will show the expected trajectory, with the arrival times in the individual locations. Also in these cases will be provided information on alternative routes.
The Google SoS Alerts service
The Google SoS Alerts service, which in Italian is called Avvisi SoS, is part of Google Public Alerts, in turn launched in October 2012. Over the years it has been enriched with more and more information and today it provides the main news about the catastrophic event, in-depth analysis from the most authoritative news sites, updates published by the authorities on Twitter, emergency numbers and websites. Now a visual part is added in Maps, specifically designed to allow motorists to stay away from risky areas. This, indirectly, will also benefit the authorities who will have (apart from the usual curious people with few scruples and even less brains) more streamlined traffic flows to manage in the most affected areas.