Rain can turn an ordinary commute into a guessing game: Is that road flooded? Is the usual route still open? Is the restaurant nearby actually open—or will you end up walking through a downpour just to find out?
Google Maps’ latest feature, Ask Maps, is designed to make answering those questions easier. Now available in the Philippines, the feature is Google Maps’ biggest transformation in more than a decade, giving you a more conversational way to search for places, roads, and routes.
Ask Maps can be accessed by opening the Google Maps app and tapping the “Ask Maps” button below the search bar. From there, you can ask questions about a location or route and get information tailored to your needs.
This can be particularly useful during rainy days when road conditions can change quickly. For example, you can ask, “Are there any closed or flooded roads from Quezon City to BGC?” Ask Maps can summarize available updates, including live delay alerts, or confirm when roads are clear.
Need somewhere to wait out the rain? Ask Maps can also help find nearby establishments that are open. A question such as, “What’s the best ramen or noodle soup place in Ortigas that I don’t have to walk in the rain for?” can surface relevant spots near you and provide route suggestions and tips for getting there while staying as dry as possible.
Ask Maps can also be your everyday planning companion, helping you find restaurants that fit your mood or map out a scenic three-hour road trip.
