For nearly twenty years, Google Maps has helped people understand and navigate the world. Recently, it announced that over two billion users turn to Google Maps each month due to its fresh, comprehensive mapping data. By leveraging AI to analyse billions of images alongside data from local partners and the community, over 100 million updates are made to the map daily. Whether travelling globally or locally, users benefit from the most up-to-date information.
AI-Powered Inspiration and Answers with Gemini
For over a decade, AI has been instrumental in creating new experiences, from fuel-efficient routes to Immersive Views. Now, Google Maps is being transformed with the power of Gemini models, enabling users to receive answers to complex questions about the world.
People often turn to Google Maps for ideas on visiting places and activities. With the integration of Gemini, it is now easier than ever to get curated inspiration. For instance, if someone needs to plan an activity for a visiting friend, they can simply ask Google Maps for “things to do with friends at night” and receive curated suggestions, such as visiting a speakeasy or enjoying live music. Users can also learn more about places through AI-powered review summaries, particularly useful when time is limited. Additionally, suppose further details about a place are needed. In that case, whether it has outdoor seating or a quiet atmosphere, users can ask follow-up questions to receive relevant answers quickly.
These features are made possible by Gemini’s advanced creation, reasoning, and summarisation capabilities, which are grounded in trusted data about 250 million places worldwide and insights from the Google Maps community. These features are being rolled out in the United States this week on Android and iOS, with similar experiences expected on Google Search in the coming months, including AI-powered review summaries and the ability to ask detailed questions about places.
Developers, enterprises, and cities can also benefit from these advancements in mapping technology and Gemini capabilities.
Enhancing the Driving Experience
A significant update has been introduced to make driving simpler and less stressful from start to finish. Drivers can now explore along their route before setting off by using the new “add stops” feature, which displays top landmarks, attractions, scenic spots, and dining options, allowing for better trip planning.
For those navigating unfamiliar areas with complex roads, enhanced navigation will provide clear visuals of lanes, crosswalks, and road signs. This feature also helps drivers anticipate merges and lane changes by indicating the correct lane to follow with a blue line in the lane markers.
Additionally, new features are being introduced to keep drivers informed about weather-related disruptions during their journey.
Upon arrival, updated arrival guidance now highlights the building and entrance of the destination, shows nearby parking options, and provides reminders to save parking locations. Once parked, users can access walking directions to their destination’s entrance and use Street View or AR navigation for quick orientation.
The new features for exploring routes, reporting weather disruptions, and updated arrival guidance are rolling out globally this week on Android and iOS. Enhanced navigation will begin rolling out next month in over 30 metro areas, with plans for further expansion.
Exploring with Immersive View’s Latest Updates
Immersive View combines AI, imagery, and computer vision to allow users to explore locations such as stadiums, parks, and routes, even showing weather and traffic conditions for specific dates and times. Immersive View for places recently expanded to 150 cities globally, including locations such as Brussels, Kyoto, and Frankfurt. Additional categories, such as university campuses, are also being introduced, enabling virtual campus tours.
Immersive View for routes is gaining new details, including information on parking locations and warnings about complex turns, helping users prepare for their journeys. This update is rolling out this week on Android and iOS in regions where Immersive View for routes is available.
From immersive experiences to AI-curated inspiration and enhanced driving capabilities, Google Maps continues to revolutionise how people navigate and explore the world. Get in touch to find out how you can benefit from this.
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