Google Maps is taking a step forward in the quest to reduce personal anxiety. Recently, Google Maps has rolled out a new feature called “Area Busyness” which will allow users to filter what areas look like depending on their level of preference.
For those who simply wish to avoid crowds without going off the grid, they can now make a request for a personalized experience with Area Busyness. Google Maps will suggest places that are less crowded and show you alternate routes if need be. Or if you want to know where all those people are going, then the app will show those areas as more busy than others.
The Area Busyness feature can be found in the Lens Overview page, under the Google Maps tab. By tapping on the Area Busyness icon, users will be offered three different options: "I'd rather avoid crowds," "Show less popular areas," and "Show more popular areas.”
Google Maps has been experimenting with the "Area Busyness" feature for some time now. Last year, they launched a test that showed busy places in a larger font than other areas of town. But this is one of the first times that users have been given a choice as to how crowded an area should appear.
