Enhance driver awareness and engagement with real-time disruptions in Navigation SDK

We’re pleased to announce new enhancements to the Navigation SDK for Android and iOS with the release of real-time disruptions in preview and an enhanced adaptive turn card design, now generally available. Navigation SDK empowers developers to bring the Google Maps navigation experience directly into their mobile apps and control the full end-to-end driver experience to promote in-app engagement. The SDK provides drivers with an optimized routing experience, with real-time traffic, precise ETAs, road-snapped location accuracy, and turn-by-turn directions spanning 250 countries.

With real-time disruptions now in Navigation SDK, drivers stay engaged in your app

Now we’re making it easier for drivers to stay informed and engaged in your app about disruptions along their route that may impact their navigation experience. Disruption alerts, both in route overview mode and during active navigation, provide drivers with immediate, context-aware visual and voice cues through the Navigation SDK. This information allows drivers to remain aware and cautious as they anticipate what they may encounter ahead, enabling safer and more efficient journeys. 

The disruption data is kept up-to-date by leveraging contributions from users across the Google Maps and Waze ecosystem and advanced mapping technology. Having this visibility in the Navigation SDK ensures drivers receive the relevant real-time data in your app, instead of having to switch to other surfaces, which helps provide a competitive edge.

Real-time disruptions in Navigation SDK include: 

• Objects on road and vehicle accidents

• Police presence and mobile speed cameras

• Lane closures and construction zones

• Flooded roads, low visibility areas, and unplowed roads

Drivers can report and provide updates for disruptions to keep other drivers informed 

For example, let’s say a driver is using the in-app navigation to make a delivery and traffic suddenly comes to a halt because there’s an object on the road—a tire blowout. Once avoided, the driver can simply tap the reporting icon in the in-app navigation to report a new disruption at that point on the road. Other drivers in the vicinity will be alerted to the driver’s report directly in their Google navigation experience, helping them also exercise caution on the road. Those drivers can also provide feedback on whether the disruption is still present, ensuring the data on the map stays fresh.

Disruptions rely on a vast amount of signals, including user contributions to improve the type, timeliness, and accuracy of disruption reporting available. These user contributions are always optional and drivers should maintain driving awareness when reporting and providing updates on disruptions for safety.

Real-time disruption alerts and reporting are available in select geographies and automatically available in the latest release of the Navigation SDK. To configure or disable real-time disruptions in Navigation SDK, review our documentation for Android and iOS.

Modernized and adaptive turn card design with enhanced and scalable visuals

We’re continuing to invest in a consistent cross-platform experience in parity with Google Maps consumer experiences with our updated adaptive turn card design in Navigation SDK. The modernized adaptive turn card provides users with improved visuals, such as larger icons, for driving instructions. The navigation header and footer have a modular, adaptive component that scales as needed to fit screen dimensions, including being adaptable for landscape mode. Adaptive turn card was previously released in the Navigation SDK for iOS and is now generally available for Android in the Navigation SDK.

We are excited to see how you use the Navigation SDK for Android and iOS to help drivers get where they’re going with confidence. To learn more about Navigation SDK, visit our documentation.