Google Maps now does a better job of highlighting stairs

A nice quality-of-life improvement for Google Maps on Android and iOS are new stair “callouts” when getting walking directions.

In walking directions, Google will now show stair “callouts” in the form of a blue icon/pin that’s directly integrated with the dots. The previous stairs indicator appeared on the map layer and was not part of the directions overlay. 

This will help users avoid a particular route or at least give them a heads-up on what to expect.

The new callout builds upon how Google Maps last year introduced the ability to get wheelchair-accessible walking routes by tapping the settings icon in directions for “Trip options” > “Wheelchair accessible.” This lets you “Avoid stairs and prefer elevators,” with Google noting how this is also useful for “people traveling with things like luggage or strollers.” Google Maps also notes the presence of stairs in bicycling directions.

Google Maps rolled out these new stair callouts earlier this month. 

More on Google Maps:

• Google Maps for Android, iOS get new version number system
• The Google Maps Location History/Timeline change is still rolling out
• Google Maps will let you report transit delays 
• Google Maps switching to teal accent color throughout the app