Google Maps and Waze are getting new alerts and navigation features

Google on Tuesday began rolling out major changes to both of its navigation apps, Google Maps and Waze. On maps, it’s now easier to report accidents such as crashes, police, or construction by tapping the yellow triangle icon while driving, an updated menu of accident types appears. Once you’ve selected it, you’ll still have a short window to cancel in case you make a mistake.

“In the coming weeks,” Maps will also solve several long-standing problems with navigation apps — namely identifying a building’s entrance and where to park. As you get closer to your destination, Maps will highlight the building, entrance, and any nearby parking lots. We’re not sure how well this will be supported outside of major US cities, but Google is promising a global rollout of all the new Maps features on Android and iOS, including Android Auto and CarPlay.

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What’s coming to Waze?

Waze has always been known for its accident reporting, but what’s new is that you can now identify more types of cameras. In addition to speed and red light cameras, you will see flags for those following seat belts, phone use, or being in a protected lane such as a bus or carpool lane. Some cameras track multiple violations, where you should see the details noted.

Google is also introducing the concept of “traffic events,” which will trigger a notification when you’ve recently been in a certain location or saved places around it. You’ll be told the reason for the event — say, the Olympic Games, if you’re in Paris — and the general road and traffic closures. You can tap a button to plan a route around the affected roads.

These changes should already be hitting some Android and iOS devices. In the next few months, both platforms will also get lock screen navigation alerts, so you’re not in the dark when your phone is in sleep mode. Note that iOS lock screen support is due sometime this fall, which means Google is waiting for iOS 18 to arrive.