In case you’ve ever been out on a run and instantly needed to go, you understand what, Google Maps may need simply solved your drawback.
On Thursday, Google launched its new “Ask Maps” initiative, an immersive navigation characteristic designed to make it simpler to seek out close by facilities, together with public bogs, with out having to purchase a bottle of water or ask for a key.
Lastly, you’ll be able to ask Maps to “Discover me a public rest room close by the place I don’t want to attend in line to purchase one thing.”
Welcome to the long run.
— Google Maps (@googlemaps) March 12, 2026
In case you’ve up to date to the newest model of Google Maps, you’ll discover the Ask Maps characteristic below the search bar. Kind a immediate like: “Discover me a public rest room close by the place I don’t want to attend in line to purchase one thing,” and the app will present you the closest possibility.
For runners navigating busy metropolis streets, the characteristic could possibly be a game-changer. As a substitute of playing on whether or not a café or retailer has a public restroom, you’ll be able to shortly find the closest toilet mid-run when nature calls.
In fact, should you’re deep within the woods on a backcountry path, the characteristic may not be a lot assist, however you in all probability already knew nature’s calling.
A beta model of Ask Maps first launched in New York Metropolis in 2024 as a part of a broader initiative between Google and metropolis officers to enhance and increase public restroom entry throughout all 5 boroughs. Now, the characteristic has expanded throughout the U.S. and can quickly be in Canada, making it simpler to find a public toilet anyplace you’ve gotten mobile information.
And loo breaks aren’t the one factor runners can use it for. Past mid-run emergencies, Ask Maps can be utilized to discover a close by path for a 10-kilometre route or find options to a monitor for a velocity exercise. In different phrases, it would simply turn out to be your trusty accomplice the second you step out the door.
