Google Maps Launches Walking Directions

Yes, you can now use Google Maps to keep from getting lost while walking. If you use Google Maps for your direction finding needs, you'll now find that it has an option for walking directions (as shown above).

It makes sense, at least in cities, where having to make a u-turn in a car may be required, but cutting across a street while on foot is an obvious option for pedestrians. Smartly, it'll only offer the option if the distance is less than 10 km ( or 6.2 miles. Come on, you know you probably wouldn't hoof it if it were more than that).

They also made improvements in their public transit section as well. Rather than giving you "as the crow flies" pointers to the nearest facility (as below), they'll give you walking directions instead (click the image to see).

Of course, it's not going to point out shortcuts you may know about, but it's a step in the right direction (pun intended).

Currently Microsoft and Yahoo! don't have "walking directions."