New app feature coming soon to Pierce college students

Tamara Kelly
Staff Writer

Getting lost on campus for new students can be confusing and frustrating, and finding a map isn’t always within reach.

Now, thanks to Google maps, there’s a feature coming to Google maps that will affect Pierce college students.

Google has been around since 1996, starting as a search engine, and then branched out in new directions.

In 2004, they bought out Where 2 Technologies, which was developing a mapping application, allowing them to go head to head with Mapquest.

They upgraded the mapping feature by adding street view to their maps in 2007, now they have branched out again.

For two days in June, a small inconspicuous group of Google employees converged upon the Fort Steilacoom campus, mapping out classrooms, hallways, and buildings for the intent of a new app which will be available through Android for smart phone users. In time, it will be available to other brands.

This app will also be available to the Puyallup campus as Google implements the program to many colleges nationwide.

Director of Marketing and Communications Brian Benedetti had this to say about the new app, “Access is one of Pierce College’s institutional outcomes and if this is another way of helping students find their way around our campuses, we’re all for it.”

The consensus seems to be in favor of this new app. The Student Government President Nicole Ortega had this to say, “This will be a great navigational tool.”

Veronica Jones was also exited for the new app. She commented, “That’s good cause a lot of people have their gadgets in their pockets.”

Together with students and facility supporting this new app, this feature will become a well-used tool for maneuvering around campus.