Google Indoor Maps in the UK - In Limited Form

Google's internal GPS system, Indoor Maps, which the US have had their hands on since November 2011 is now in the UK, albeit in limited form. So, if all goes to plan, in the very near future you will never have to worry about losing your mate in that vast shopping centre, or losing yourself in the seemingly endless maze of shops ever again!

We can all vouch from experience the sheer exasperation we feel as we attempt to locate a toilet, shop or coffee shop in huge shopping malls such as Manchester's Trafford Centre. Much of our shopping day can be wasted as we trek backwards and forwards, up and down escalators, with the shopping centre's own electronic guides adding just a heap of extra confusion to the exhausting equation. By the time we've found that elusive shop we're fit for nothing, and probably have a painful crop of blisters on our feet too.

Knowing exactly where our train platform is or where everything is located within the bustling airport is a Godsend. Being able to now get walking directions to any indoor service we desire in a growing number of locations is nothing short of a modern day miracle that will totally transform our shopping expeditions amongst many other things.

Anyone that has Google Maps on their smartphone can access Indoor Maps and start making use of this innovative mapping tool. There are only 40 locations in the UK at present that you can navigate via this system that allows you to see floor plans at a glance, and even locate your friends and meet up for a much needed coffee break.

Locations include train stations, museums, airports and shopping centres such as Debenhams, Selfridges, John Lewis, Waterloo Station and the British museum. The full list of supported venues is set to continue growing, but will take time as it isn't as simple a task as the satellite imaging system used for Google's outdoor maps. Indoor Maps requires that every single floor plan aspect is manually input into maps.

Latitude allows you to easily see your friends location within the venue, so you need not worry if you accidentally part ways. You can search Indoor Maps by either keyword or destination.

Currently Google are mainly focusing their UK Indoor Maps venture within London, partly due to the Olympic Games, which will hopefully make everyone's sporting adventure that much more enjoyable this summer.

Check out the official YouTube video below: