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Google Maps has been a core part of Android Auto since Android Auto was created, as you’d expect. But one of the big features that many people use on the mobile app, has been missing, until now. And that was satellite mode. Now it’s likely that Google had left this out for quite some time because of the amount of data it uses, compared to regular Google Maps, and can be particularly slow to load on slower connections. But Google has brought Satellite View to Maps on Android Auto. Previously, you could use it on the phone version of Android Auto, but not the head unit version.
Satellite View doesn’t really add much to Google Maps, but it does allow you to see what the area actually looks like, which can be very helpful. You can toggle it on in the settings, much like you would the Traffic option. Keep in mind that with Satellite View on, you will be using more data than usual, so if you are in an area that has a slower network, you may encounter some issues. This is a great option for Google to add, though the option that many were waiting for is the speed limit indicator. This is something that many other mapping services have already, including Google-owned Waze. Google also showed this off a few months ago, but so far, it is still not available in Android Auto for some reason.
It’s not a surprise to see Satellite View debut in Google Maps, after all, Google said it was coming earlier this month. It was a bit strange that it was available in the phone version of Android Auto but not in the head unit version. But it is now available on both, which is good to see. There’s no real updates needed to get Satellite View, just open up Google Maps on Android Auto and you’ll be all set.
