Google has revealed that new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered upgrades to Google Maps will be available soon with the goal of assisting users in finding new locations. According to each user’s unique needs, a customized recommendation system powered by generative AI will provide results. To generate travel recommendations, it analyzes over 250 million locations on Google Maps and contributions from over 300 million users using large language models (LLMs). This week, a few US Local Guides will get access to Google Maps’ generative AI feature.
owned by Alphabet Google announced the addition of a new generative AI capability to Google Maps on Friday, February 2, in a blog post. The new tool will help users discover new locations and offer recommendations that are customized to meet their individual preferences. The new tool will swiftly suggest locations to visit by analyzing extensive information on over 250 million places on Maps and trusted insights from a community of over 300 million contributors using large-language models (LLMs).
This week, a select group of Local Guides in the US who voluntarily add reviews, images, fact-checking, answers to queries, and more to Google Maps will be able to utilize the generative AI capability. After hearing from these engaged Google Maps community members, the new feature will be rolled out more broadly.
In the official announcement post, Google provided a few instances of the generative AI search tool in action. Users can ask Maps what they’re looking for, such as “places with a vintage vibe in SF,” and the AI models will analyze Maps’ information about nearby businesses and places along with photos, ratings, and reviews from the Maps community to make recommendations. For example, if a user is visiting San Francisco and wants to plan a few hours of thrifting for unique vintage finds.
Users will also be able to peruse summaries, photo carousels, and results arranged into categories. Follow-up queries such as “How about lunch?” can be used to carry on the conversation, and the AI feature will recommend locations based on users’ interests. According to Google, the AI-powered feature will make it easier to find locations and use Maps to explore the world.
