Google Maps is bringing a parking lot feature to users that will enable drivers to know about the parking areas around the destination. The feature will also mentally prepare drivers by showing how difficult it is finding a parking slot at the desired destination. How is that even possible? Google is now using historical parking data and calculating a parking difficulty score that will, in turn, be displayed on the directions card. The result will show up as "Limited," "Medium" or "Easy," depending on parking availability.

According to Tech Crunch, this new Google Maps parking feature is a prime example of how Google is leveraging the app's huge install base to come up with features that inform users of what to expect at the destination. The feature was spotted at the start of this month by Google Maps beta users on Android. However, as the app uses historical data to ascertain parking difficulty, the feature does not yet take into account current conditions, reports Google Blog. Similarly, Google launched "Popular Times" in November 2016.

The company used anonymous location data and searches to launch the feature. It is an iteration on the earlier tool that allowed users to find out a business's most chaotic hours. The feature now works in real time and appears in Search and Google Maps. The Google Maps parking feature works by displaying a parking difficulty icon at the bottom of the directions card screen. Users first need to provide directions to the destination. This feature will be of immense help to regular commuters, especially in urban/metropolitan areas.

Once, Google makes the Google Maps parking feature real-time, its benefits will increase manifold. For now, the feature is available only to Android users. iOS users may soon be able to enjoy the feature. Google is first launching the feature in 25 US metros. Stay tuned on Mobile & Apps for more updates on various Google features.