How AI advancements is changing Google Maps for the better

Google Maps has seen a plethora of innovation since the time of its inception. From the Street View to the real time navigation to the latest AR navigation, it has been one technology for the company that’s constantly evolving. Now, at Google I/O, new updates have been made to Google Maps basis artificial intelligence and machine learning.

With machine learning, Google Maps will reduce one’s chances of hard braking that is usually caused by sudden traffic jams or on highway exits. The direction on the map is normally calculated via a number of factors. The likelihood of hard braking will now be included along with the lanes of road and the directness of the route, etc. The fastest route option will be suggested that would include lesser hard braking moments. Google in its blog states that there is a potential to eliminate over 100 million such events in the routes driven with Maps every year.

Also with augmented reality, one can explore the neighbourhood one is in with the Live View in Maps. Also, useful details like the restaurants and shops in the vicinity with reviews and photos will be available in the Maps. Also, with complex intersections, you can figure out the exact road you are on and where to head next. The combination of AI and the cityscape data that Google has, one can easily get the shape of the road and be useful for pedestrians, especially the ones using wheelchair or stroller to plan a route. The update will be available in 50 cities by the end of the year—including Berlin, Sao Paulo, Seattle and Singapore, as stated in the Google blog.

Personalization is an important aspect of the new updates in the Maps. The amp will be tailored relevant places basis the time of the day and your travel status. If one is in a particular city at a specific time, you can gain information on the nearby restaurants. For instance if you are in a city at day time, the map will show you nearby breakfast, coffee places rather than dinner spots. Also, one can easily spot tourist attractions and landmarks specific to the place.