Google Maps Steps Up the “Get Directions”

Google Maps takes one more step forward by providing its “Get Directions” feature for the City of Buenos Aires. This new feature doesn’t appear to cover anything outside the city limits and it’s not clear yet if it covers everything in the city. But after running some tests the feature seems to work very well, at least for well known streets in well known neighbourhoods in the City of Buenos Aires.

For now, the feature provides mapping data and advice only in “Car” mode, meaning it doesn’t seem to prioritize distance when suggesting routes. In the above photo, for example, I mapped out a route going from the French cafe Oui Oui (Nicaragua 2161) in Palermoto the Palermo Starbucks (Malabia 1738).

Google’s first suggested route was for me to take Nicaragua and go out of my way over to Niceto Vega, then turn back on Armenia and move toward Malabia. Google says this route is 3.2 kilometers. It’s possible (but doubtful) that this route would be faster in a car than by taking a shorter, 2.6 kilometer route through Gorriti, but Google doesn’t suggest this shorter route first.

Regardless, Google does suggest two shorter, alternative routes, giving people a range of options on how to best get to the destination point. The program, in my testing of it for Buenos Aires streets, works brilliantly. It may have flaws for lesser known areas but it is still an excellent choice for both drivers and pedestrians who want to figure out how to get around this amazingly endless city.