MANILA – Google Philippines on Wednesday unveiled several Google Maps updates including the Number Coding feature which will advise motorists of restricted roads to avoid on days their vehicles are banned under the Metro-wide traffic scheme.

Users just need to input their assigned coding day on Google Maps and the app will recommend restricted routes to avoid during their commute, the Philippine unit of the global tech giant said.

The feature was made possible by working with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Google Philippines said. It is expected to roll out in the next few weeks.

"Enabling connectivity and access to the internet, providing relevant and useful content, and localized products experiences for all, individuals and businesses is critical and we at Google Philippines are committed to playing our part," Google Philippines country manager Ken Lingan said during the Google for Philippines event held Wednesday.

The Number Coding feature is already available in traffic navigation app Waze, which Google Maps also owns.

This year, Google Maps will also roll out the Motorbike mode on iOS devices, which was made available to Andriod users last year.

Google said it had also updated its “Street View” imagery of the resort island of Boracay, with the help of the Department of Tourism and the Municipality of Malay. This measure, Google hoped, could help “contribute positively” to the tourism industry.

Over 12 million buildings were added to Google Maps in the Philippines in 2018, the company said. The number of Google Maps users had also “doubled” in the last 2 years.