Alphabet is upgrading Google Maps with the help of artificial intelligence

American technology giant Alphabet is making extensive use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve its services. This time, the company is turning to technology to give Google Maps users a better experience.

In the news: Alphabet is adding a host of improvements and functionality Google Maps.

• Mountain View replaces search results with images. The tool will only show images of things that are relevant to your search.
  • Google Maps can do this thanks to the images that users place on Google Maps, which artificial intelligence analyzes to determine what is on them.
• The navigation map is now clearer thanks to new colors and more advanced building models. This way you can avoid making mistakes on the go.
• Google Maps will also provide more information about electric charging points, including vehicle compatibility.

These improvements will be rolled out in select cities in the coming days. In Belgium we will have to be more patient.

More options for comprehensive viewing

• Until now, this feature only allowed you to view buildings in 3D reconstruction.
• Panoramic View is now available to show the route using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to help users navigate their journey.
• At the moment, the feature is only available in a limited number of cities: Amsterdam, Barcelona, ​​Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo and Venice.

“You can consult highly detailed visual instructions and use the time indicator to display useful information, such as simulated traffic or weather conditions during your trip, to help you better plan your trip.”

Alphabet in press release

Add Google Lens

• Google Maps’ augmented reality display continues to improve. This way you can get more information about the sights.
• All you have to do is point your smartphone camera at historical landmarks, shops or restaurants to see the notes that appear on the screen. Notes contain all kinds of information, such as working hours.
• You can also only use this function in a limited number of cities, including Paris, Las Vegas, Rome, and Taipei.
• At these locations, simply tap the Lens icon in the Google Maps search bar to view information about places of interest.