Artificial Intelligence is now going to change how we travel and find new places. Not only this will improve people going to new destinations, but also how businesses can connect with customers. Here are the 5 latest AI advancements that will power up Google Maps!
5 New AI-Powered Google Maps Features
Google has been experimenting rapidly with how it can integrate AI with its products. One of them is Google Maps, a navigational tool used by a lot of people worldwide. These innovations indeed have the potential to positively impact multiple sectors and businesses across the globe.
Note that some of these features are only available in limited countries or are still at an experimental stage.
Here’s how AI will change how we use Google Maps:
1) Generative AI for Hyper-Personalization Searches
In February 2024, Google announced the introduction of Generative AI into Google Maps. This feature will initially be available to only a select few users (whom Google calls Local Guides) to try. After getting the necessary feedback, it will be soon open to all.
Google’s LLM model is trained on their database of 250 million places and contributions from 300 million active users like you. These contributions are ratings, reviews, photographs, and images submitted by other users.
After the integration of Generative AI in Google Maps, users can make well-informed judgments based on their preferences in real-time. Users can enter a search query with exactly what type of businesses, restaurants, or activities they were looking for and Google Maps will scan through its database to the find best results for you.
Picture a future in which, in addition to your location and search terms, Google Maps can discern your particular hobbies and mood. Ask for “a hidden gem for a romantic picnic tonight” and get personalized recommendations of places nearby.
Users will be able to store, share, and revisit their AI-generated results in the future as well. This brand-new update bolsters Google Maps’ ability to give instant solutions to its users.
2) Real-Time Weather Update
Along with personalized results, Google Maps can now be able to provide real-time information about the weather at and around the place.
After getting the initial results, users can further refine their suggestions by using the follow-up question feature to carry on the conversation with the generative AI. This allows users to spontaneously get suggestions based on the current weather and update their plans. Experiences traveling could be better and more rewarding with this degree of personalization.
“This experimental capability introduces a whole new way for people to more easily discover places and explore the world with Maps. This is just the beginning of how we’re supercharging Maps with generative AI, and we’re excited to start with our passionate community of Local Guides as we shape the future of Maps together.”- As stated by Miriam Daniel in the official announcement.
3) Immersive View for Routes
In My 2023, Google unveiled its Immersive View features for places and extended to its finding routes after a couple of months. This feature uses AI, Computer Vision, and Google’s Aerial View API.
Users just have to enter what they want to visit and at what time. Maps will then show you the best possible route to that location according to traffic and weather conditions, along with how the place and route will look at that time. There is also a time slider to see how it will change at different periods.
This is further enhanced by AR (Augmented Reality) in Google Lens. Just click on the Lens button on the Maps app, and lift your phone to find information about all the places in your view.
“This experimental capability introduces a whole new way for people to more easily discover places and explore the world with Maps. This is just the beginning of how we’re supercharging Maps with generative AI, and we’re excited to start with our passionate community of Local Guides as we shape the future of Maps together.”- As stated by Miriam Daniel in the official announcement.
The World can’t wait for what’s next for Google Maps in its journey with Generative AI.
4) AI to Update Speed Limits
Google Maps has been using AI and imagery to help update the speed limits for different roads at different times, to assist drivers with navigation.
While official data provided by local governments is a valuable resource for learning the default limits, their advanced AI models are engineered to recognize speed limit data from third-party and our own Street View images.
To ensure that the AI model can recognize the speed limit regardless of how unique a sign may appear, they train it on hundreds of various kinds of signs from around the globe. For instance, German speed limit signs may just display the number, while US signs may also have ‘speed limit’ written on them.
When the AI model recognizes a sign, it matches the sign to its precise geographic location using GPS data from the image. This allows it to adjust the speed restriction that appears to you on Google Maps according to your current location on the route. They also examine traffic patterns to see whether a speed limit adjustment might be necessary.
In addition to keeping drivers safe, this information supports automakers in their efforts to improve automobiles’ assisted driving features.
5) Reduced Charging Anxiety: More EV Information
Google announced in 2023 that users on Google Maps will also show Electric Vehicle (EV) charging data through the Places API, enabling businesses to display real-time EV station information on their websites and applications.
EV drivers on Android and iOS will receive useful charging station information, such as whether a charger is compatible with their car and whether the available chargers are fast, medium, or slow.
Additionally, you can see when a charger was last used to help you avoid spending time traveling to a broken charger, as about 25% of all chargers in the US are down at any given moment. This week, these upgrades will begin to appear internationally on iOS and Android devices wherever data about EV charging stations is accessible.
Conclusion
This is a good starting point for users to become familiar with the new Google Maps’ AI-powered features. In addition to this recent AI capability addition to Maps, the app is receiving a design update for a better user experience. The World can’t wait for what’s next for Google Maps in its journey with Generative AI.
