Instagram adds photo maps in 3.0 update

Popular photo-sharing and editing app Instagram has added a mapping feature in its latest update that lets users show where they have taken their photos and explore on a map where others have taken their snaps.

The update, which came out late last week, provides a new way for Instagram users to browse their own and others' photos with a 'Photo Map.' The 'Photo Map' allows users to indicate the locations of their snaps and browse photos of other users according to geographic location.

Users' 'Photo Maps' appear on their profile, though users will be prompted to review any photos they have previously geo-tagged and will be able to remove photos from the map, or any associated geo-location data at any time.

How to use the photo map

To add a photo to the 'Photo Map,' users go through the sharing process as before until reaching the final screen; ensure that the option 'Add to your 'Photo Map' is turned on, then the app will automatically assign an approximate latitude and longitude to the photo.

For more specific photo-sharing locations, e.g., a café, users can select the option 'Name this location,' which appears below 'Add to Photo Map.' This then takes users to a new page, titled 'Nearby,' listing all the nearby places in Instagram's system; users then simply select the appropriate specific location, before uploading the photo. Should the desired specific location not appear in Instagram's list, users can create one by selecting 'Search or add location' on the 'Nearby' page.

The 3.0 update with 'Photo Map' is available on both Apple and Android devices.