How to enable speed limit in Google Maps

Referreport

For some time now, Google Maps has been able to display not only the current speed, but also the permitted speed limit. But how do you activate this practical function and how reliable is the data displayed?

In this article, you will learn step by step how to display your speed in Google Maps on your Android phone (also available on iPhones, the exact menu items are just called slightly differently there) and what you should pay attention to.

How to enable speed limit in Google Maps

To display your current speed and the current speed limits in Google Maps, only a few steps are required in the Android app settings:

Tap your profile picture in the top right.
Open the settings of the Google Maps app.
Select “Navigation Settings”.
Under “Automotive Options,” move the slider for “Speedometer” to the right.
Then activate the option “Show maximum allowed speed” or “Maximum speed” depending on your device.

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Where does Google Maps get the data from?

The data for speed limits comes from various sources. On the one hand, Google uses imagery collected on site by “Street View”. Since 2007, Google employees have been driving or walking regularly surveys streets and photographs them with a 360-degree camera. In addition, there are public road maps, which are mostly based on aerial photographs from airplanes, as well as satellite images for less accessible areas.

A crucial pillar for Google Maps navigation are the users themselves: Google tracks the GPS data of people who use the service and can therefore incorporate real-time data such as traffic jams or construction sites into the navigation.

Google’s AI calculates speed limits based on Street View

The basic information about speed limits comes directly from municipalities and states. Google uses the maximum permitted speeds for different types of roads. In Austria, for example, the speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on country roads and a maximum of 130 km/h on motorways. But there are many exceptions – such as different regulations depending on the time of day or weather conditions. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) and images come into play.

Google’s AI analyzes the images taken for Street View and extracts the speed limit from them. Using the GPS data saved when the image was taken, the AI can calculate which stretch of road the limit applies to.

Another important source of data is the analysis of user behavior. If everyone on a stretch of road suddenly starts driving below or above the speed limit, Google checks whether it is still up to date. If there are no new Street View images, Google requests image material from companies that regularly document the roads anyway.

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Speed display is not reliable

Although displaying the speed limit on Google Maps is convenient, it can give a false sense of security. Several factors affect its accuracy.

For example, Google does not always take into account the differences in speed limits for cars and trucks. Temporary restrictions, such as those that occur during daytime construction sites, may also not be recorded. Continue to keep an eye on the traffic at all times and do not allow yourself to be distracted.

What you should pay attention to when using the speed limit function

When you open Google Maps and plan your route, the speed limit for the current section of the route is displayed. The display is in the top left by default, but you can simply move it to another corner of the screen with your finger. If you drive faster than the speed limit, you will be warned by a beep.

Please note that the speed limit feature is not available in all regions. If you don’t see this option in your app, it might be because Google hasn’t enabled it in your region.

Source: German