Google Maps Announced a Suite of AI-Powered Enhancements Coming to Maps
Colin Smith — October 27, 2023 — Tech
References: maps.google & fastcompany
Google Maps is one of the most popular and useful applications that helps people navigate the world with ease. Recently, Google has announced a series of innovative AI-powered features that aim to enhance user experiences in various ways. Some of these features include Immersive View for routes, Lens in Maps, and Photorealistic 3D Tiles.
Immersive View for routes is a new way to preview every step of your journey, whether you are driving, walking, or cycling. It uses AI to fuse together billions of Street View and aerial images, creating a stunning, multidimensional view of your route from start to finish. You can prepare for each turn as if you were there, and use the time slider to plan when to head out based on simulated traffic and weather conditions. This feature is rolling out in 15 cities around the world this week on Android and iOS devices.
Lens in Maps is another feature that uses AI and augmented reality to help you quickly acclimate yourself to your surroundings. You can tap the Lens icon in the search bar and lift your phone to find information about nearby places, such as ATMs, transit stations, restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. You can also see ratings, reviews, and photos of these places without leaving the Maps app. This feature is expanding to more than 50 new cities this week.
Photorealistic 3D Tiles is a new offering in Google Maps Platform that allows developers to create their own immersive experiences with Google Maps data. It uses AI to transform 2D images of buildings and locations into 3D models that people can explore. For example, developers could illustrate future land developments with 3D backdrops and AR visuals. This feature is launching this week for developers.
These are some of the new AI enhancements coming to Google Maps that demonstrate how Google is using machine learning to make maps more helpful, accurate, and engaging for users and developers alike.
Image Credit: Google
Immersive View for routes is a new way to preview every step of your journey, whether you are driving, walking, or cycling. It uses AI to fuse together billions of Street View and aerial images, creating a stunning, multidimensional view of your route from start to finish. You can prepare for each turn as if you were there, and use the time slider to plan when to head out based on simulated traffic and weather conditions. This feature is rolling out in 15 cities around the world this week on Android and iOS devices.
Lens in Maps is another feature that uses AI and augmented reality to help you quickly acclimate yourself to your surroundings. You can tap the Lens icon in the search bar and lift your phone to find information about nearby places, such as ATMs, transit stations, restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. You can also see ratings, reviews, and photos of these places without leaving the Maps app. This feature is expanding to more than 50 new cities this week.
Photorealistic 3D Tiles is a new offering in Google Maps Platform that allows developers to create their own immersive experiences with Google Maps data. It uses AI to transform 2D images of buildings and locations into 3D models that people can explore. For example, developers could illustrate future land developments with 3D backdrops and AR visuals. This feature is launching this week for developers.
These are some of the new AI enhancements coming to Google Maps that demonstrate how Google is using machine learning to make maps more helpful, accurate, and engaging for users and developers alike.
Image Credit: Google
Trend Themes
1. Immersive View for Routes - AI-powered Immersive View for routes provides users with a multidimensional preview of their journey, allowing them to plan ahead and make informed decisions based on simulated traffic and weather conditions.
2. Lens in Maps - AI-powered Lens in Maps uses augmented reality to provide users with quick and seamless access to information about nearby places, including ratings, reviews, and photos, without leaving the app.
3. Photorealistic 3D Tiles - Photorealistic 3D Tiles leverages AI to transform 2D images of indoor locations into realistic 3D models, opening up opportunities for developers to create immersive virtual tours of various establishments.
Industry Implications
1. Navigation - The Navigation industry can leverage AI-powered map enhancements like Immersive View for routes and Lens in Maps to provide users with enhanced navigation experiences and improved decision-making capabilities.
2. Tourism and Hospitality - The Tourism and Hospitality industry can explore the potential of Photorealistic 3D Tiles to create immersive virtual tours of museums, hotels, and shopping malls, elevating the customer experience and attracting more visitors.
3. Developer Tools - The Developer Tools industry can take advantage of Photorealistic 3D Tiles to offer developers a powerful tool for creating captivating and interactive experiences using Google Maps data.
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