Google Maps 6.0 for Android adds Indoor Maps

Google Maps 6.0 has hit the Android Market, and the update brings some cool new features like Indoor Maps for select malls and airports as well as a new Places homescreen and menu to switch between features.

The minor updates include a new dropdown menu, which allows you to quickly switch between the different sub-apps of Google Maps like Navigation, Places, Latitude, Places, Location History, and My Places, and a new Places homescreen, which includes popular searches to make finding things easier.

The big update though is one that we've been looking forward to for a while: Indoor Maps. Google has done well to map the outside world, but now Maps is going inside starting with certain malls and airports, so it can help you find your way even when you are inside. To start, the service covers a number of airports across America as well as a few malls, and various Macy's, Ikea, Home Depot and Bloomingdale's locations, as well as some airports, train stations and buildings in Japan. However, the service should grow fairly quickly, because Google has included a pretty easy way for business owners to upload floor plans to the service.

Of course, this update is Android only. And, while there's no real reason why Indoor Maps couldn't be cross-platform eventually, they are showing up only on Android right now, not even on the web.

source: Google Mobile Blog, Indoor Maps location list, Upload a floor plan