Are you on the move and feel the need to reach out?

Now Google Maps lets you share your location in real-time, if you really want to.

Map it out

Android and iOS users can now share their location with their friends in a few quick swipes.

Either tap on the blue dot (that's you) or open a side menu in the Maps app, and select "Share location".

You can share you whereabouts with your Google contacts, or by sending a link via a range of messenger apps. Recipients will see you on their map.

If that's not enough, you can also share your trip, so contacts can view your journey and expected arrival time. You can choose to stop sharing your location whenever you like.

Clever or creepy?

Google isn't the first big player to use real-time location sharing. Facebook, iMessage, Foursquare, and Uber all have similar functionality. 

Although it hasn't always gone down well with consumers – a fact reflected by Facebook's back peddling on its Nearby Friends feature.

While Google's motto is "Do No Evil", there's nothing in there about not turning a buck. If location sharing in Maps takes off, expect a commercial element for retailers in your not-too-distant future.