The latest incarnation of Google Maps for has just hit the Android Market, and it has an interesting new feature – it maps inside buildings.

Whilst you’ve no doubt used Google Maps to get your bearing outdoors, Google Maps for Android now allows you to see where you are and where you want to go when you’re indoors. Is this the end of those giant floorplans you see in shopping malls? It could be.

In a blog post earlier today, Chikai Ohazama, Product Management Director at Google, said:

“When you’re inside an airport, shopping mall, retail store, or other public space, Google Maps 6.0 for Android brings the freestanding map directory to the palm of your hands — helping you determine where you are, what floor you’re on, and where to go indoors. For example, in this busy travel season, you can use Google Maps 6.0 to help you find your way around airports.”

Here’s what Mall of America in Minneapolis looks like before and after, with a floor selector:

And here’s San Francisco International Airport before and after, with 3D tilt:

It will also let you switch between key features in the toolbar, and throws a new Places home screen into the mix.



The new Places home screen means you can see popular searches for your current location, and you can find the best spots wherever you go:

The updated app is available now to download now, and works wherever Google Maps is available.

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