google maps: Explained: What are Plus Codes, Google Maps’ new feature for India – Times of India

What are Plus Codes?

Plus Codes are like street addresses for people or places that don’t have one. So instead of having addresses with street names and numbers, Plus Codes are based on latitude and longitude and displayed as numbers and letters.

When was the feature launched?

The feature was first launched in 2018 but used only by NGOs, some governments and other organisations. Google says that it had piloted the feature for general users for the last month or so. However, it is only now that this became the new India-first feature on Google Maps which can use your current location to find the Plus Codes address for your home.

What are the advantages of Plus Codes?

Plus Codes can come in handy for deliveries, sending a location to friends or family to help them get to your home, or navigating. Users don’t have to go through the hassle of sharing approximate addresses with landmarks, or voice instructions that may be confusing. When you travel to unfamiliar places, Plus Codes save you time by guiding you directly to your exact destination. Plus Codes can easily be written down on signs, posters, and printed maps, making them useful for people with limited access to mobile devices or computers. This better enables the connection of the online and offline worlds.

How do you generate a Plus Code?

Google has made it clear that the feature is currently available only for Android phones and will come to iPhones later. On an Android phone, if a user is saving a location under “Home” then they will see a prompt which says “Use Current Location”. Using the location services on the Android phone, Google Maps will generate a Plus Code which canoe used as the Home address. Users will also have the option to add a section under the Saved tab to share and use the home addresses.