Google maps adds new elevation profiles for bikers

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Google recently tweaked its Maps app, and has now added an elevation feature that will help bikers to choose routes more effectively by showing them where they’ll hit steep hills.

Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) added biking directions to Google Maps a few years ago, and that definitely has been a help to bikers in planning their trips. But now with this new Maps feature, you’ll know where the steep hills and the slopes are as well.

Elevation profiles are useful information for bikers

This new information will be loved by those who enjoy biking, whether you’re a recreational or a full time biker. All you need to do is to type in an address, zoom in to your location, select the biking option on the map and then Google will display a little chart below the total estimated time. This small chart will display the elevation level that you’ll encounter while on your way, along with the total number of feet cyclists will have to climb. Bikers don’t have to deal with unpleasant hilly surprises any more.

For some reason, Google has not advertised this new feature and just quietly added it to Google Maps. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) has confirmed this new feature, but there’s no official announcement yet. This elevation profiles are available in the 14 countries where Google offers biking directions, including: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Sweden and the U.S., according to TechCrunch.

The elevation profiles simply don’t show up when the road is flat.

For now, this feature is only available on Google Maps for desktop, and not on Google Maps app for Android and iOS. But it’s certainly likely that this feature will also be added to mobile Map apps in the future.

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