Interesting feature on the way to Google's Maps service

The feature already actively used for vehicles on Google Maps will also be available for pedestrians. Vehicle navigation offers the option to navigate toll or toll-free roads. Similarly, the planned pedestrian feature will recommend avoiding sunny roads.

People will be able to walk in the shadows instead of on paths filled with sunlight, if they wish.

This feature will offer routes that will allow users to avoid UV rays and stay cool on very hot summer days.

The feature is called Prefer Shade. Currently in testing, the feature has been spotted on the Android version of Google Maps. It now displays not only shaded roads but also sunny ones. This will be available for users who prefer the opposite.

How will Google do this?

Google may be able to use such data from its Street View vehicles. By processing the captured images, Google can determine whether the sun is blocked by surrounding buildings, thus assessing a particular road as suitable for navigation when the "shadow" option is enabled. It is expected to use its LiDAR sensor here. Furthermore, Google's Gemini AI vehicle could help develop this approach.