Google is bringing AI to Google Maps in an effort to make it easier for you to discover new places around you and find the perfect location for whatever it is you happen to be looking for.Rather than just looking for things like a coffee shop or bookstore, with the tool you can get a bit more specific and ask for something like “places with a vintage vibe in SF.” When you make the request, Google’s AI models will analyze Maps’ rich information including photos, ratings, and reviews, and then offer some suggestions that fit your criteria.If you do make a more generic request like “places with a retro feel” your results will be organized into categories such as clothing stores and flea markets to help you narrow down where you want to go. You’ll also get review summaries for each location detailing why Maps thought that location, in particular, was a good place for you to visit.Once you’ve done an initial search you can ask Maps additional questions as well to narrow things down or continue your journey. For instance, you can ask for a good place to have lunch or where you should shop next. You can also ask for things like “activities for a rainy day” or “options for kids.”Generative AI in Maps started rolling out this week to select Local Guides in the US. Google plans to start testing the feature with those guides before making the feature more widely available.
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The generative AI suggestions also aren’t the first AI addition Google has made to Maps. In October the company began a rollout of Immersive View for Google Maps, an AI-enhanced feature that gives you a bird’s-eye view of your route along with 3D imagery to make navigation easier.
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