Hello. My name is Kelly, and I’m directionally challenged.
Like my memory (I swear I’m listening, I really do care, but don’t ask me to repeat any details you told me yesterday—or ten minutes ago), I can’t seem to do much about it, except depend on lovely technology that’s invented every day to help me along the way.
Mall of America
Photo by Todd Buchanan
Introducing Mall of America’s new Google Maps indoor mobile map. Finally, a way to navigate 4.3 miles of storefront—and not waste time finding the nearest restroom.
It launched Nov. 29th, and since then, shoppers with Android phones (or other Android-powered devices) can use Google Maps and zoom into the mall, finding a detailed floor plan. Users can then jump around floors and essentially browse the stores, restaurants, and what’s near them. Use the Google Maps My Location feature—the blue dot!—to see your own location and bam, you’re found. A right-hand tool also tells you what floor you’re on and will automatically update the floor plan and points of interest as you move. Now if they could tag your car and show you the quickest route back, they’d really be set!
Note: There is a one-time update of Google Maps you need to do the very first time you use your Android-powered device to view these indoor maps, but if you’re a frequent flier, a lost soul (like me)—or even a one-time out-of-state visitor as foreign to The Parks at MOA as you are these 10,000 lakes—it sounds well worth it.
If any of you have made the trip and tested this tool, let us know what you think. As snazzy as it sounds?
I guess this means I can finally ditch the sis and shop without a buddy. Oh wait, I have an iPhone. One day…
