Smart Mobility and Google Maps Platform: the transformation of urban transport
We live in a time of intelligent mobility. Also known as Smart Mobility, it represents a real revolution in cities: it is getting us to abandon models based on private car ownership and evolve towards a model centred on mobility as a service which, also helps to reduce the rate of pollution. This change has largely been possible due to significant advances in technology: positioning systems which are increasingly more precise, increasingly advanced mobile devices with greater data capacity, collaborative environments… and last but not least, geolocation tools like Google Maps.
From mobility to Smart Mobility: Google Maps
Before we start developing this section, we will contribute a new component (offered by digital transformation): the culture of directing the client or user to offer experiences that will satisfy them every time and engender their loyalty. New companies, such as Uber and Cabify have known how to interpret these concepts to innovate and commercialise forms of urban transport, as well as to offer the client a new experience. An example: you probably know more than one business that currently offers new mobility services in the large cities through:
- Car and motorbike sharing
- VTC
- Bicycles
- Electric scooter and skateboard
- Segways
- Etc.
The combination of client guidance and the technological advances have engendered the total evolution of geolocation and mobility tools. From the first model which offered basic information relating to the points of origin and destination of a journey on a map, to the current model, for which we have an enormous range of options: finding out about traffic conditions in real time, knowing alternative routes, choosing to reach the destination using different methods of transport, etc.
One of the best examples of these geolocation tools, which has contributed to the evolution of the mobility models leading to Smart Mobility, is Google Maps. With a presence on the market of over 15 years, it has continued to add functions to improve our journeys in urban environments and has helped us to improve our experience as users (for example, its options for geo-fencing or indoor navigation).
Among the latest functions incorporated into Google Maps, and which consolidate their position within intelligent mobility, the following stand out:
- Deviation from routes. This option is particularly useful when using a VTC service (such as Cabify or Uber) in potentially unsafe situations. Google Maps is able to alert you when the driver of the vehicle deviates from the agreed route by more than 500 metres. At that moment, you can share your location with your chosen group of persons (close family or friends, for example), so that they know your location at that time, in real time, and the required measures can be taken.
- Integration of rental motorbikes and bicycles to the Google Maps app. It is now possible to reserve motorbikes and bicycles (both conventional and electric models) through Google Maps in over 80 cities, including some international destinations. When the user clicks on the shared trajectory or Motorbike/bicycle tabs, they will be shown on the map an estimate of the price and the location of the nearest units available.
- Optimisation of a journey by public bus. This function was initially used in India, and after its success there, it was quickly extended to most countries of the world. Google Maps relies on real time data for traffic and on the public bus timetables to calculate any possible delays so it can offer a reasonably precise estimate of the journey time.
- Real time train information. Google Maps allows you to find out when your train will arrive by indicating its status in real time. Find your location and starting destination, or your starting and destination stations, to view the list of trains you can take. From there, Google Maps will clearly show you their real time status or if any of these trains is running late.
- Speed camera detection. The Google geolocation tool detects where speed detector cameras (both fixed and mobile) are located, whether in an urban environment or on the open road. They mark their location on the map and warn the driver of their approach when they enter a nearby area. This information is obtained through the users of the tool.
As you can see, new forms of mobility (Smart Mobility) continue to evolve, and Google Maps continues to add new options to remain in line with this new environment. As Google certified partners, Intelligence Partner has a group of experts on the Google Maps Platform who remain up to date with all the new developments for this tool. Tell us your requirements and we will show you how this geolocation tool can help you to stand out in your Smart Mobility environment.
