View source for Google Maps

{{Short description|Google's web mapping service (launched 2005)}}
{{Criticism section|date=June 2024}}
{{use mdy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}

{{Infobox website
| name = Google Maps
| logo = Google Maps Logo.svg
| logo_size = 290px
| screenshot = Google maps screenshot.png
| caption = Screenshot of Google Maps in a web browser
| type = [[Web mapping]]
| language_count = 74
| language = Afrikaans, Azerbaijani, Indonesian, Malay, Bosnian, Catalan, Czech, Danish, German (Germany), Estonian, English (United States), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Latin America), Basque, Filipino, French (France), Galician, Croatian, Zulu, Icelandic, Italian, Swahili, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Dutch, Norwegian, Uzbek, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Romanian, Albanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Finnish, Swedish, Vietnamese, Turkish, Greek, Bulgarian, Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Macedonian, Mongolian, Russian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Armenian, Hebrew, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Amharic, Nepali, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Sinhala, Thai, Lao, Burmese, Khmer, Korean, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
| owner = [[Google]]
| url = {{official URL}}
| commercial = Yes
| registration = Optional, included with a [[Google Account]]
| launch_date = {{start date and age|2005|2|8}}
| current_status = Active
| programming_language = [[C++]] (back-end), [[JavaScript]], [[XML]], [[Ajax (programming)|Ajax]] (UI)
}}

'''Google Maps''' is a [[web mapping]] platform and consumer application developed by [[Google]]. It offers [[satellite imagery]], [[aerial photography]], street maps, 360° [[interactive panorama|interactive panoramic]] views of streets ([[Google Street View|Street View]]), real-time traffic conditions, and [[route planner|route planning]] for traveling by foot, car, bike, air (in [[Software release life cycle#Beta|beta]]) and [[public transportation]]. {{As of|2020}}, Google Maps was being used by over one billion people every month around the world.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Google Maps Metrics and Infographics |url=https://sites.google.com/a/pressatgoogle.com/google-maps-for-iphone/google-maps-metrics|access-date=2021-04-01|website=Google Maps for iPhone |archive-date=March 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321192815/https://sites.google.com/a/pressatgoogle.com/google-maps-for-iphone/google-maps-metrics|url-status=live}}</ref>

Google Maps began as a [[C++]] desktop program developed by brothers [[Lars Rasmussen (software developer)|Lars]] and [[Jens Eilstrup Rasmussen|Jens Rasmussen]], Stephen Ma and Noel Gordon in Australia at Where 2 Technologies. In October 2004, the company was acquired by Google, which converted it into a web application. After additional acquisitions of a geospatial data visualization company and a real-time traffic analyzer, Google Maps was launched in February 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.google.co.uk/about/company/history/#2005 |website=Google Company |title= Our history in depth |access-date=June 13, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406123606/http://www.google.co.uk/about/company/history/#2005 |archive-date=April 6, 2016}}</ref> The service's [[Front and back ends|front end]] utilizes [[JavaScript]], [[XML]], and [[Ajax (programming)|Ajax]]. Google Maps offers an [[Application programming interface|API]] that allows maps to be embedded on third-party websites,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://developers.google.com/maps/|title=Google Maps API |website=Google Developers |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420064042/https://developers.google.com/maps/|archive-date=April 20, 2012}}</ref> and offers a locator for businesses and other organizations in numerous countries around the world. [[Google Map Maker]] allowed users to collaboratively expand and update the service's mapping worldwide but was discontinued from March 2017. However, crowdsourced contributions to Google Maps were not discontinued as the company announced those features would be transferred to the Google Local Guides program,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=November 8, 2016 |title=Google to shut down Map Maker, its crowdsourced map editing tool |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/08/google-to-shut-down-map-maker-its-crowdsourced-map-editing-tool/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010547/https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/08/google-to-shut-down-map-maker-its-crowdsourced-map-editing-tool/ |archive-date=August 11, 2017 |access-date=June 23, 2017 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref> although users that are not Local Guides can still contribute.

{{anchor|Google Maps satellite view}}
Google Maps' satellite view is a "top-down" or [[bird's-eye view]]; most of the high-resolution imagery of cities is aerial photography taken from aircraft flying at {{convert|800|to|1500|ft|m}}, while most other imagery is from satellites.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.google.com/earth/answer/21417? |title=Blurry or outdated imagery |website=Google Earth Help |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024133733/https://support.google.com/earth/answer/21417 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2014 }}</ref> Much of the available satellite imagery is no more than three years old and is updated on a regular basis, according to a 2011 report.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.technicamix.com/2011/10/18/how-often-is-google-maps-and-google-earth-updated/ |title=How Often is Google Maps and Google Earth Updated? |website=TechnicaMix |date=October 18, 2011 |first1=Frank |last1=Anderson |access-date=November 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003513/http://www.technicamix.com/2011/10/18/how-often-is-google-maps-and-google-earth-updated/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 }}</ref> Google Maps previously used [[Web Mercator projection|a variant]] of the [[Mercator projection]], and therefore could not accurately show areas around the poles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/maptypes#MapCoordinates|title=Map Types – Google Maps JavaScript API v3 — Google Developers|date=July 27, 2012|publisher=Google Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115141027/https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/maptypes#MapCoordinates|archive-date=January 15, 2013|url-status=live|access-date=January 3, 2013}}</ref> In August 2018, the desktop version of Google Maps was updated to show a 3D globe. It is still possible to switch back to the 2D map in the settings.

Google Maps for mobile devices was first released in 2006; the latest versions feature [[Satellite navigation device|GPS]] [[turn-by-turn navigation]] along with dedicated [[parking]] assistance features. By 2013, it was found to be the world's most popular [[smartphone]] app, with over 54% of global smartphone owners using it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/google-smartphone-app-popularity-2013-9#infographic |title=Google+ Smartphone App Popularity |work=Business Insider |access-date=September 6, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906083614/http://www.businessinsider.com/google-smartphone-app-popularity-2013-9#infographic |archive-date=September 6, 2013 }}</ref> In 2017, the app was reported to have two billion users on Android, along with several other Google services including [[YouTube]], [[Google Chrome|Chrome]], [[Gmail]], [[Google Search|Search]], and [[Google Play]].

== History ==

=== Acquisitions ===
Google Maps first started as a [[C++]] program designed by two Danish brothers, [[Lars Rasmussen (software developer)|Lars]] and [[Jens Eilstrup Rasmussen]], and Noel Gordon and Stephen Ma, at the Sydney-based company Where 2 Technologies, which was founded in early 2003. The program was initially designed to be separately downloaded by users, but the company later pitched the idea for a purely Web-based product to Google management, changing the method of distribution.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-mapper-take-browsers-to-the-limit/|title=Google mapper: Take browsers to the limit|publisher=CNET|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026035210/http://news.cnet.com/Google-mapper-Take-browsers-to-the-limit/2100-1038_3-5808658.html|archive-date=October 26, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=January 3, 2013}}</ref> In October 2004, the company was acquired by Google Inc.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/jun/17/google-sergey-brin|title=Secrets of a nimble giant|last=Kiss|first=Jemima|date=June 17, 2009|access-date=October 30, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219023109/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/jun/17/google-sergey-brin|archive-date=February 19, 2014|url-status=live|publisher=Guardian|location=London}}</ref> where it transformed into the web application Google Maps. The Rasmussen brothers, Gordon and Ma joined Google at that time.

In the same month, Google acquired [[Google Earth#History|Keyhole]], a geospatial data visualization company (with investment from the [[CIA]]), whose marquee application suite, Earth Viewer, emerged as the [[Google Earth]] application in 2005 while other aspects of its core technology were integrated into Google Maps.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/28/google_buys_keyhole/|title=Google buys CIA-backed mapping startup|last=Orlowski|first=Andrew|date=October 28, 2004|access-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211040159/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/28/google_buys_keyhole/|archive-date=February 11, 2017|url-status=live|publisher=[[The Register]]|author-link=Andrew Orlowski}}</ref> In September 2004, Google acquired ZipDash, a company that provided real-time traffic analysis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconbeat.com/entries/2005/03/30/google_acquires_traffic_info_startup_zipdash.html|title=Google acquires traffic info start-up Zipdash|first=Michael|last=Bazeley|date=March 30, 2005|work=SiliconBeat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102125451/http://www.siliconbeat.com/entries/2005/03/30/google_acquires_traffic_info_startup_zipdash.html|archive-date=January 2, 2008|url-status=dead |access-date=January 8, 2008}}</ref>

=== 2005–2010 ===
[[File:Google Maps Beta.png|thumb|Google Maps Beta in 2005]]
The launch of Google Maps was first announced on the Google Blog on February 8, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/02/mapping-your-way.html|title= Mapping your way |date= February 8, 2005 |first1=Bret |last1=Taylor |publisher=Official Google Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525190011/http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/02/mapping-your-way.html |archive-date=May 25, 2010 |url-status=live|access-date=January 12, 2010}}</ref>

In September 2005, in the aftermath of [[Hurricane Katrina]], Google Maps quickly updated its satellite imagery of [[New Orleans]] to allow users to view the extent of the flooding in various parts of that city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna17880969|title=Google accused of airbrushing Katrina history|date=March 30, 2007|publisher=NBC News |agency=The Associated Press |access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=November 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103150201/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna17880969|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/search/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=198701867 |first1= Thomas |last1=Claburn |title=Google Restores Katrina's Scars To Google Earth|date=April 2, 2007|publisher=Information Week|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819110834/http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/search/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=198701867|archive-date=August 19, 2009|url-status=dead }}</ref>

As of 2007, Google Maps was equipped with a miniature view with a draggable rectangle that denotes the area shown in the main viewport, and "Info windows" for previewing details about locations on maps.<ref>{{Cite web|website=Google Maps |title=Google Maps User Guide|url=http://maps.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=68259#overview|access-date=2021-11-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105004439/http://maps.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=68259#overview|archive-date=November 5, 2007}}</ref> As of 2024, this feature had been removed (likely several years prior).
[[File:175-free-google-maps-pointer.svg|left|thumb|106x106px|Original Google Maps icon]]
On November 28, 2007, Google Maps for Mobile 2.0 was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googlepress.blogspot.no/2007/11/google-announces-launch-of-google-maps_28.html|title=Google Announces Launch of Google Maps for Mobile With "My Location" Technology|date=November 28, 2007|website=News from Google|access-date=April 25, 2017|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426060108/http://googlepress.blogspot.no/2007/11/google-announces-launch-of-google-maps_28.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Marshall-2007">{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2007/11/28/google-releases-killer-my-location-feature-for-cellphones/|title=Google releases useful "my location" feature for cellphones|last=Marshall|first=Matt|date=November 28, 2007|website=[[VentureBeat]]|access-date=April 25, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425205258/https://venturebeat.com/2007/11/28/google-releases-killer-my-location-feature-for-cellphones/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Schonfeld-2007">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2007/11/28/google-mobile-maps-pinpoints-your-location-without-gps/|title=Google Mobile Maps PinPoints Your Location Without GPS|last=Schonfeld|first=Erick|date=November 28, 2007|website=[[TechCrunch]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=April 25, 2017|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426055735/https://techcrunch.com/2007/11/28/google-mobile-maps-pinpoints-your-location-without-gps/|url-status=live}}</ref> It featured a [[Software release life cycle#Beta|beta version]] of a "My Location" feature, which uses the GPS / [[Assisted GPS]] location of the mobile device, if available, supplemented by determining the nearest [[Wi-Fi|wireless networks]] and [[cell site]]s.<ref name="Marshall-2007" /><ref name="Schonfeld-2007" /> The software looks up the location of the cell site using a database of known wireless networks and sites.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/11/29/google_mobile_maps/|title=Google Maps Mobile knows where you are|last=Ray|first=Bill|date=November 29, 2007|website=[[The Register]]|publisher=Situation Publishing|access-date=April 25, 2017|archive-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025113145/https://www.theregister.com/2007/11/29/google_mobile_maps/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-maps-for-mobile-adds-my-location-feature/|title=Google Maps for Mobile adds 'My Location' feature|last=Mills|first=Elinor|date=November 28, 2007|website=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=April 25, 2017|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029102554/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-maps-for-mobile-adds-my-location-feature/|url-status=live}}</ref> By [[Surface triangulation|triangulating]] the different signal strengths from cell transmitters and then using their location property (retrieved from the database), My Location determines the user's current location.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imore.com/google-maps-my-location|title=Google Maps: My Location|last=Overbo|first=Mike|date=November 28, 2007|website=iMore|access-date=April 25, 2017|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426060058/http://www.imore.com/google-maps-my-location|url-status=live}}</ref>

Google Maps launched in India in 2008.<ref name="Bhattacharya-2025">{{Cite web |last=Bhattacharya |first=Ananya |date=2025-02-05 |title=Is Google Maps fatally misleading drivers in India? It's complicated |url=https://restofworld.org/2025/google-maps-india-misdirection-fatal-accidents/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=[[Rest of World]] |language=en-US}}</ref> On September 23, 2008, coinciding with the announcement of the [[HTC Dream|first commercial Android device]], Google announced that a Google Maps app had been released for its Android operating system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googlemobile.blogspot.se/2008/09/google-on-android.html|title=Google on Android|last=Vanlerberghe|first=Mac|date=September 23, 2008|website=Google Mobile Blog|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=December 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207194122/http://googlemobile.blogspot.se/2008/09/google-on-android.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://googleblog.blogspot.se/2008/09/first-android-powered-phone.html|title=The first Android-powered phone|last=Tseng|first=Erick|date=September 23, 2008|website=Official Google Blog|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=December 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192639/https://googleblog.blogspot.se/2008/09/first-android-powered-phone.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2009, Google replaced [[Tele Atlas]] as their primary supplier of geospatial data in the US version of Maps and used their own data.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blumenthals.com/blog/2009/10/12/google-replaces-tele-atlas-data-in-us-with-google-data/|title=Google Replaces Tele Atlas Data in US with Google StreetView Data|date=October 12, 2009|publisher=blumenthals.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015145712/http://blumenthals.com/blog/2009/10/12/google-replaces-tele-atlas-data-in-us-with-google-data/|archive-date=October 15, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2011–2015 ===
On April 19, 2011, Map Maker was added to the American version of Google Maps, allowing any viewer to edit and add changes to Google Maps. This provides Google with local map updates almost in real-time instead of waiting for digital map data companies to release more infrequent updates.
[[File:Google Maps 2015 icon.svg|left|thumb|93x93px|Icon used from 2015 to 2020]]
On January 31, 2012, Google, due to offering its Maps for free, was found guilty of abusing the dominant position of its Google Maps application and ordered by a court to pay a fine and damages to Bottin Cartographer, a French mapping company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcsandiego.com/blogs/press-here/France-Convicts-Google-for-Its-Freedom-138644124.html|title=France Convicts Google for Its Free(dom)|date=February 3, 2012|publisher=NBC San Diego|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018002855/http://www.nbcsandiego.com/blogs/press-here/France-Convicts-Google-for-Its-Freedom-138644124.html|archive-date=October 18, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=October 13, 2014}}</ref> This ruling was overturned on appeal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.competitionpolicyinternational.com/france-google-wins-court-decision-vs-evermaps/|title=France: Google wins court decision vs Evermaps|date=November 29, 2015|access-date=November 21, 2018|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022065734/https://www.competitionpolicyinternational.com/france-google-wins-court-decision-vs-evermaps/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2012, Google started mapping the UK's rivers and canals in partnership with the [[Canal & River Trust|Canal and River Trust]]. The company has stated that "it would update the program during the year to allow users to plan trips which include locks, bridges and towpaths along the 2,000 miles of river paths in the UK."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/9340833/Google-begins-mapping-UK-rivers.html|title=Google begins mapping UK rivers|date=June 19, 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619203057/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/9340833/Google-begins-mapping-UK-rivers.html|archive-date=June 19, 2012|url-status=bot: unknown|access-date=June 20, 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Sign of Google in the centre of Szczecin.jpg|thumb|upright|A monument in the shape of a [[Google Maps pin]] in the center of the city of [[Szczecin]], Poland]]
In December 2012, the Google Maps application was separately made available in the App Store, after Apple removed it from its default installation of the mobile operating system version [[iOS 6]] in September 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2413179,00.asp|title=Google Maps for iOS Hits Apple App Store|publisher=PCMag|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216005946/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2413179,00.asp|archive-date=December 16, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=December 12, 2012}}</ref>

On January 29, 2013, Google Maps was updated to include a map of [[North Korea]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/29/google-maps-north-korea-prison-camps-nuclear-complex-gulags_n_2573238.html|title=Google Maps North Korea: Prison Camps, Nuclear Complexes Pinpointed In New Images (PHOTOS)|first=Cavan|last=Sieczkowski|date=January 29, 2013|newspaper=The Huffington Post|access-date=May 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209195946/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/29/google-maps-north-korea-prison-camps-nuclear-complex-gulags_n_2573238.html|archive-date=February 9, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> {{as of|2013|May|3|df=US}}, Google Maps recognizes [[Palestine]] as a country, instead of redirecting to the [[Palestinian territories]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/google-changes-palestinian-location-from-territories-to-palestine/|title=Google changes Palestinian location from 'Territories' to 'Palestine'|date=May 3, 2013|newspaper=Fox News|access-date=May 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521075114/http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/05/03/google-recognizes-palestinian/|archive-date=May 21, 2013|url-status=live|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

In August 2013, Google Maps removed the Wikipedia Layer, which provided links to Wikipedia content about locations shown in Google Maps using [[Wikipedia:How to add geocodes to articles|Wikipedia geocodes]].<ref>''[http://www.seroundtable.com/wikipedia-layer-gone-google-maps-17342.html Google Maps Drops Wikipedia Layer] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006235503/http://www.seroundtable.com/wikipedia-layer-gone-google-maps-17342.html|date=October 6, 2013}}.'' [[Search Engine Roundtable]]. (September 10, 2013)</ref>

On April 12, 2014, Google Maps was updated to reflect the [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|annexation of Ukrainian Crimea by Russia]]. Crimea is shown as the [[Republic of Crimea (Russia)|Republic of Crimea]] in Russia and as the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] in Ukraine. All other versions show a dotted disputed border.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/04/12/302337754/google-maps-displays-crimean-border-differently-in-russia-u-s|title=Google Maps Displays Crimean Border Differently In Russia, U.S.|date=April 12, 2014|work=NPR.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126035554/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/04/12/302337754/google-maps-displays-crimean-border-differently-in-russia-u-s|archive-date=November 26, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 4, 2014}}</ref>

In April 2015, on a map near the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi, the imagery of the Android logo urinating on the Apple logo was added via Map Maker and appeared on Google Maps. The [[vandalism]] was soon removed and Google publicly apologized.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/apr/24/google-maps-hides-an-image-of-the-android-robot-pissing-on-apple|title=Google Maps hides an image of the Android robot urinating on Apple|last1=Hern|first1=Alex|date=April 24, 2015|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=May 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517225620/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/apr/24/google-maps-hides-an-image-of-the-android-robot-pissing-on-apple|archive-date=May 17, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> However, as a result, Google disabled user moderation on Map Maker, and on May 12, disabled editing worldwide until it could devise a new policy for approving edits and avoiding vandalism.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/map-maker/news-and-announcements/crFEbGXJ-HI|title=Map Maker will be temporarily unavailable for editing starting May 12, 2015|last1=Kanakarajan|first1=Pavithra|date=May 22, 2015|access-date=May 10, 2015|publisher=Google Product Forums|archive-date=December 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203081016/https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/map-maker/news-and-announcements/crFEbGXJ-HI|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 29, 2015, users of the classic Google Maps were forwarded to the new Google Maps with the option to be removed from the interface.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://techforluddites.com/google-is-getting-rid-of-classic-maps-for-good/|title=Google Is Getting Rid of Classic Maps for Good (Ugh.)|date=April 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515192655/http://techforluddites.com/google-is-getting-rid-of-classic-maps-for-good/|archive-date=May 15, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=May 14, 2015}}</ref>

On July 14, 2015, the Chinese name for [[Scarborough Shoal]] was removed after a petition from the [[Philippines]] was posted on [[Change.org]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33518673|title=Google Maps alters disputed South China Sea shoal name|work=BBC News|date=July 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714214609/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33518673|archive-date=July 14, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=July 14, 2015}}</ref>

=== 2016–2018 ===

On June 27, 2016, Google rolled out new satellite imagery worldwide sourced from [[Landsat 8]], comprising over 700 trillion pixels of new data.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/06/google-maps-gets-a-satellite-makeover-mosaic-700-trillion/488939/|title=Google's Satellite Map Gets a 700-Trillion-Pixel Makeover|last=Meyer|first=Robinson|date=June 27, 2016|work=[[The Atlantic]]|access-date=June 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627185634/http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/06/google-maps-gets-a-satellite-makeover-mosaic-700-trillion/488939/|archive-date=June 27, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2016, Google Maps acquired mapping analytics startup Urban Engines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/16/urban-engines-2/|title=Google Maps picks up mapping analytics and visualization startup Urban Engines|last=Heater|first=Brian|website=TechCrunch|date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917141751/https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/16/urban-engines-2/|archive-date=September 17, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref>

In 2016, the Government of South Korea offered Google conditional access to the country's geographic database – access that already allows indigenous Korean mapping providers high-detail maps. Google declined the offer, as it was unwilling to accept restrictions on reducing the quality around locations the South Korean Government felt were sensitive (see [[restrictions on geographic data in South Korea]]).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://asiatimes.com/article/one-thing-north-korea-south-doesnt-google-maps/|date=26 February 2018|title=One thing North Korea has that the South doesn't: Google Maps|newspaper=[[Asia Times]]|first1=Keshia|last1=Badalge|first2=Cullen|last2=Fairchild|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=January 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125084242/https://asiatimes.com/2018/02/one-thing-north-korea-south-doesnt-google-maps/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 16, 2017, Google Maps was updated with accessible imagery of several planets and moons such as [[Titan (moon)|Titan]], [[Mercury (planet)|Mercury]], and [[Venus]], as well as direct access to imagery of the [[Moon]] and [[Mars]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blog.google/products/maps/space-out-planets-google-maps/|title=Space out with planets in Google Maps|last=Marquardt|first=Stafford|date=October 16, 2017|website=Blog.Google|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016165713/https://www.blog.google/products/maps/space-out-planets-google-maps/|archive-date=October 16, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/16/google-maps-now-lets-you-explore-your-local-planets-and-moons-too/|title=Google Maps now lets you explore your local planets and moons|last=Lardinois|first=Frederic|date=October 16, 2017|website=TechCrunch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016165303/https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/16/google-maps-now-lets-you-explore-your-local-planets-and-moons-too/|archive-date=October 16, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2017}}</ref>

In May 2018, Google announced major changes to the API structure starting June 11, 2018. This change consolidated the 18 different endpoints into three services and merged the basic and premium plans into one pay-as-you-go plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/05/02/google-maps-platform-arrives-with-pay-as-you-go-billing-free-support-and-cloud-requirement-starting-june-11/|title=Google Maps Platform arrives with pay-as-you-go billing, free support, and Cloud requirement starting June 11|last=Protalinski|first=Emil|date=May 2, 2018|website=VentureBeat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204074556/https://venturebeat.com/2018/05/02/google-maps-platform-arrives-with-pay-as-you-go-billing-free-support-and-cloud-requirement-starting-june-11/|archive-date=December 4, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019}}</ref> This meant a 1400% price raise for users on the basic plan, with only six weeks of notice. This caused a harsh reaction within the developers community.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geoawesomeness.com/developers-up-in-arms-over-google-maps-api-insane-price-hike/|title=Developers up in arms over Google Maps API 'insane' price hike|last1=Singh|first1=Ishveena|date=May 3, 2018|website=Geoawesomeness|access-date=August 7, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808231829/https://geoawesomeness.com/developers-up-in-arms-over-google-maps-api-insane-price-hike/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, Google postponed the change date to July 16, 2018.

In August 2018, Google Maps designed its overall view (when zoomed out completely) into a [[Three-dimensional space|3D]] globe dropping the [[Mercator projection]] that projected the planet onto a flat surface.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/5/17653122/google-maps-update-mercator-projection-earth-isnt-flat|title=Google Maps now depicts the Earth as a globe|work=The Verge|access-date=2018-08-06|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111181608/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/5/17653122/google-maps-update-mercator-projection-earth-isnt-flat|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2019–present and transformation into social platform ===
[[File:Google Maps icon (2020).svg|alt=Google Maps icon 2020|thumb|89x89px|2020 icon redesign]]
In January 2019, Google Maps added speed trap and [[speed camera]] alerts as reported by other users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidcentral.com/speed-trap-warnings-begin-rolling-out-some-google-maps-users|title=Speed trap warnings begin rolling out to some Google Maps users|date=2019-01-16|website=Android Central|language=en|access-date=2019-01-16|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022040414/https://www.androidcentral.com/speed-trap-warnings-begin-rolling-out-some-google-maps-users|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/google-maps-shows-you-how-fast-youre-driving-heres-how/|title=Google Maps shows you how fast you're driving. Here's how|date=2019-06-09|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=2019-06-10|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123223749/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/use-google-maps-to-see-how-fast-youre-driving/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 17, 2019, Google Maps was updated to include incident reporting, resembling a functionality in [[Waze]] which was acquired by Google in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.google/products/maps/new-ways-report-driving-incidents-google-maps/|title=New ways to report driving incidents on Google Maps|date=2019-10-17|website=Google|language=en|access-date=2020-04-20|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022103149/https://blog.google/products/maps/new-ways-report-driving-incidents-google-maps/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2019, Incognito mode was added, allowing users to enter destinations without saving entries to their Google accounts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.google/products/maps/updates-incognito-mode-and-your-timeline-maps/|title=Updates to Incognito mode and your Timeline in Maps|date=2019-12-09|website=Google|language=en|access-date=2020-04-20|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124234209/https://blog.google/products/maps/updates-incognito-mode-and-your-timeline-maps/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2020, Maps received a 15th anniversary redesign.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.google/products/maps/maps-15th-birthday/|title=Google Maps is turning 15! Celebrate with a new look and features|date=2020-02-06|website=Google|language=en|access-date=2020-04-20|archive-date=January 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110184723/https://www.blog.google/products/maps/maps-15th-birthday/|url-status=live}}</ref> It notably added a brand-new app icon, which now resembles the original icon in 2005.

On September 23, 2020, Google announced a COVID-19 Layer update for Google maps, which is designed to offer a seven-day average data of the total COVID-19-positive cases per 100,000 people in the area selected on the map. It also features a label indicating the rise and fall in the number of cases.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.google/products/maps/navigate-safely-new-covid-data-google-maps/|title=Navigate safely with new COVID data in Google Maps|access-date=23 September 2020|website=Google|date=September 23, 2020|archive-date=December 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203050537/https://blog.google/products/maps/navigate-safely-new-covid-data-google-maps/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2021, Google announced that it would be launching a new feature displaying COVID-19 vaccination sites.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Jordan|last=Valinsky|title=Google Maps will soon display Covid-19 vaccination sites|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/25/tech/covid-vaccine-google-maps/index.html|access-date=2021-01-25|website=CNN|date=January 25, 2021|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125181617/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/25/tech/covid-vaccine-google-maps/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2021, Google announced updates to the route planner that would accommodate drivers of electric vehicles. Routing would take into account the type of vehicle, vehicle status including current charge, and the locations of charging stations.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bogdan |first1=Popa |title=Google Releases Big Google Maps Update for a Next-Generation Driving Experience |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/google-releases-big-google-maps-update-for-a-next-generation-driving-experience-155177.html |access-date=28 January 2021 |publisher=autoevolution |date=28 January 2021 |archive-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128070823/https://www.autoevolution.com/news/google-releases-big-google-maps-update-for-a-next-generation-driving-experience-155177.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2022, Google Maps added a layer displaying air quality for certain countries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-13 |title=How to use Google Maps to see air quality? |url=https://www.marca.com/en/technology/2022/06/14/62a7b48b268e3e8a1b8b4617.html |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=MARCA |language=en |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616102800/https://www.marca.com/en/technology/2022/06/14/62a7b48b268e3e8a1b8b4617.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2022, Google removed the COVID-19 Layer from Google Maps due to lack of usage of the feature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schoon |first=Ben |date=2022-10-26 |title=Google Maps has removed its COVID-19 layer |url=https://9to5google.com/2022/10/26/google-maps-covid-19-layer-2/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=[[9to5Google]] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410204545/https://9to5google.com/2022/10/26/google-maps-covid-19-layer-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Transition from tool to social platform === 
Between 2020 and 2025, a number of changes were made to the mobile version of Google Maps that reoriented the app's original purpose of navigation, wayfinding, and exploration towards social visibility, gamified presence, and performance. These changes include the ability to follow Local Guides, follow restaurants and businesses, the ability to earn points and badges for leaving reviews,  the addition of a "Latest in the Area" feed displaying nearby landmarks, hotels, and user generated content, that now opens automatically upon starting the app by default as of 2025, and the ability to leave reactions on user submitted photos.

== Functionality ==
=== Directions and transit ===
Google Maps provides a [[Route planning software|route planner]],<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Victor |last=Luckerson |title=10 Google Maps Tricks You Need to Know |url=https://time.com/3701505/google-maps-tips-tricks/ |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=February 9, 2015 |access-date=December 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209230602/http://time.com/3701505/google-maps-tips-tricks/ |archive-date=February 9, 2015 }}</ref> allowing users to find available directions through driving, public transportation, walking, or biking.<ref>{{cite web |title=Get directions and show routes
 |url=https://support.google.com/maps/answer/144339 |website=Google Maps Help |publisher=Google Inc. |access-date=December 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702160706/https://support.google.com/maps/answer/144339 |archive-date=July 2, 2016}}</ref> Google has partnered globally with over 800 public transportation providers to adopt [[GTFS]] (General Transit Feed Specification), making the data available to third parties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/bike-blog/2017/sep/26/google-maps-must-improve-if-it-wants-cyclists-to-use-it|title=Google Maps must improve if it wants cyclists to use it|last=Brown|first=Jessica|date=2017-09-26|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-07-12|archive-date=December 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221095331/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/bike-blog/2017/sep/26/google-maps-must-improve-if-it-wants-cyclists-to-use-it|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2017/04/who-owns-transit-data/522444/|title=The Case for Unshackling Transit Data|work=CityLab|access-date=2018-07-12|language=en-US}}</ref> The app can indicate users' transit route, thanks to an October 2019 update. The incognito mode, eyes-free walking navigation features were released earlier.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.xda-developers.com/google-maps-10270-starring-transit-lines-dark-mode/|title=Google Maps may soon get a dark mode and ability to star transit lines|date=2019-10-10|website=xda-developers|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-11|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020042042/https://www.xda-developers.com/google-maps-10270-starring-transit-lines-dark-mode/|url-status=live}}</ref> A July 2020 update provided bike share routes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Google Maps rolls out end-to-end directions for bikeshare users|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/20/google-maps-rolls-out-end-to-end-directions-for-bikeshare-users/|access-date=2020-07-24|website=TechCrunch|date=July 20, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126062014/http://techcrunch.com/2020/07/20/google-maps-rolls-out-end-to-end-directions-for-bikeshare-users/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2024, Google Maps started rolling out glanceable directions for its Android and iOS apps. The feature allows users to track their journey from their device's [[lock screen]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Li |first=Abner |date=February 27, 2024 |title=Google Maps adds 'Glanceable directions while navigating' setting |url=https://9to5google.com/2024/02/27/google-maps-glanceable-directions-2/ |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[9to5Google]] |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303153007/https://9to5google.com/2024/02/27/google-maps-glanceable-directions-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=2024-02-28 |title=Google Maps is finally rolling out glanceable directions. |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/28/24085492/google-maps-is-finally-rolling-out-glanceable-directions |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502010552/https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/28/24085492/google-maps-is-finally-rolling-out-glanceable-directions |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Traffic conditions ===
[[File:Google Traffic screenshot.png|alt=Screenshot of Google Maps with traffic option enabled|thumb|Screenshot of Google Maps with traffic option enabled]]
In 2007, Google began offering traffic data as a colored overlay on top of roads and motorways to represent the speed of vehicles on particular roads. [[Crowdsourcing]] is used to obtain the GPS-determined locations of a large number of cellphone users, from which live traffic maps are produced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.ca/2007/02/stuck-in-traffic.html|title=Stuck in traffic?|last=Wang|first=David|date=February 28, 2007|access-date=February 13, 2014|archive-date=February 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212190835/https://googleblog.blogspot.ca/2007/02/stuck-in-traffic.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://crackberry.com/real-time-traffic-information-google-maps|title=Real time traffic information with Google Maps|date=March 22, 2007|work=CrackBerry|access-date=June 23, 2014|archive-date=July 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705061519/http://crackberry.com/real-time-traffic-information-google-maps|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theconnectivist.com/2013/07/how-google-tracks-traffic/|title=How Google Tracks Traffic|last=Matthews|first=Susan E.|date=July 3, 2013|publisher=The Connectivist|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222173908/http://www.theconnectivist.com/2013/07/how-google-tracks-traffic/|archive-date=February 22, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Google has stated that the speed and location information it collects to calculate traffic conditions is anonymous.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.ca/2009/08/bright-side-of-sitting-in-traffic.html|title=The Bright Side of Sitting in Traffic: Crowdsourcing Road Congestion Data|last=Barth|first=Dave|newspaper=Official Google Blog|date=August 25, 2009|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204124120/https://googleblog.blogspot.ca/2009/08/bright-side-of-sitting-in-traffic.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Options available in each phone's settings allow users not to share information about their location with Google Maps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theconnectivist.com/2013/07/how-google-tracks-traffic/|title=How Google Tracks Traffic|last=Matthews|first=Susan E.|date=July 3, 2013|publisher=The Connectivist|access-date=February 13, 2014|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222173908/http://www.theconnectivist.com/2013/07/how-google-tracks-traffic/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Google stated, "Once you disable or opt out of My Location, Maps will not continue to send radio information back to Google servers to determine your handset's approximate location".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/81875?hl=en&ref_topic=3495927|title=Help Google Maps find my location|date=|publisher=Google Inc.|access-date=2016-12-08|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024134657/https://support.google.com/maps/answer/1250066?hl=en&ref_topic=3495927&visit_id=637389483169785152-739444035&rd=2|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=July 2018}}

=== Street View ===
{{Main|Google Street View}}
[[File:Google Maps Car at Googleplex.jpg|thumb|A Google Maps car at [[Googleplex]], [[Mountain View, California|Mountain View]]]] On May 25, 2007, Google released [[Google Street View]], a feature of Google Maps providing [[360°]] panoramic street-level views of various locations. On the date of release, the feature only included five cities in the U.S. It has since expanded to thousands of locations around the world. In July 2009, Google began mapping college campuses and surrounding paths and [[trail]]s.

Street View garnered much controversy after its release because of [[Google Street View privacy concerns|privacy concerns]] about the uncensored nature of the panoramic photographs, although the views are only taken on public streets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ifpandnpthenwe.gnn.tv/headlines/14488/The_Google_ick_factor|title=The Google 'ick' factor|date=July 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817042700/http://ifpandnpthenwe.gnn.tv/headlines/14488/The_Google_ick_factor|archive-date=August 17, 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=July 9, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/06/want_off_street.html|title=Want Off Street View?|last=Poulsen|first=Kevin|date=July 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618130244/http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/06/want_off_street.html|archive-date=June 18, 2007|url-status=live|magazine=Wired}}</ref> Since then, Google has blurred faces and license plates through automated [[face detection|facial recognition]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mashable.com/2012/08/22/google-maps-facts/#_|title=11 Fascinating Facts About Google Maps|last=Petronzio i|first=Matt|date=August 22, 2012|work=[[Mashable]]|access-date=April 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410002316/http://mashable.com/2012/08/22/google-maps-facts/#_|archive-date=April 10, 2015|url-status=live|quote=Google employs automatic face and license plate blurring technology to protect people’s privacy in Street View, and users can even request additional blurring. Aerial imagery provides much less detail and resolution.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-begins-blurring-faces-in-street-view/|title=Google begins blurring faces in Street View|date=May 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626080941/http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9943140-7.html|archive-date=June 26, 2011|url-status=live|access-date=June 11, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/40424079/how-google-street-view-spawned-an-accidental-art-form|title=How Google Street View Became An Art Form|date=2017-05-25|work=Fast Company|access-date=2018-07-12|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125135753/https://www.fastcompany.com/40424079/how-google-street-view-spawned-an-accidental-art-form|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Google-Maps-Backpack-NYC.png|thumb|Google Maps Street View Trekker backpack being implemented on the sidewalk of the Hudson River Greenway in New York City]]

In late 2014, Google launched Google Underwater Street View, including {{convert|2300|km|mi}} of the Australian [[Great Barrier Reef]] in 3D. The images are taken by special cameras which turn 360 degrees and take shots every 3 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2014/11/16/240622233/Google-Launches-Underwater-Street-View|title=Google Launches Underwater Street View|date=November 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030153/http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2014/11/16/240622233/Google-Launches-Underwater-Street-View|archive-date=November 29, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, in both Google Maps and Google Earth, Street View navigation of the [[International Space Station]] interior spaces became available.

=== 3D imagery ===
{{Main|Google Earth#3D imagery}}
Google Maps incorporated, in August 2018, 3D models of hundreds of cities in over 40 countries from Google Earth into its satellite view. The models were developed using aerial [[photogrammetry]] techniques.<ref>{{cite web |title=Explore the world with tour guide and 3D imagery in Google Earth 7 |url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.ca/2012/10/explore-world-with-tour-guide-and-3d.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128194004/http://google-latlong.blogspot.ca/2012/10/explore-world-with-tour-guide-and-3d.html |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |access-date=July 24, 2016 |publisher=Google LatLong Blog}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 2012 |title=Google Earth adds new 3D imagery in 21 cities to its 11,000 guided tours of our planet |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/10/31/google-earth-adds-new-3d-imagery-in-21-cities-to-its-11000-guided-tours-of-our-planet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221000600/https://venturebeat.com/2012/10/31/google-earth-adds-new-3d-imagery-in-21-cities-to-its-11000-guided-tours-of-our-planet/ |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |access-date=July 24, 2016}}</ref>

=== Immersive View ===
At the [[Google I/O#2022|I/O 2022]] event, Google announced Immersive View, a feature of Google Maps which would involve composite 3D images generated from [[Street View]] and aerial images of locations using AI, complete with synchronous information. It was to be initially in five cities worldwide, with plans to add it to other cities later on.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blog.google/products/maps/three-maps-updates-io-2022/ | title=Immersive view coming soon to Maps — plus more updates | date=May 11, 2022 | access-date=May 13, 2022 | archive-date=May 13, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513171310/https://blog.google/products/maps/three-maps-updates-io-2022/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The feature was previewed in September 2022 with 250 photorealistic aerial 3D images of landmarks,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-28 |title=4 new updates that make Maps look and feel more like the real world |url=https://blog.google/products/maps/4-new-updates-maps-searchon-2022/ |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=Google |language=en-us |archive-date=December 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227223634/https://blog.google/products/maps/4-new-updates-maps-searchon-2022/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and was full launched in February 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-08 |title=New ways Maps is getting more immersive and sustainable |url=https://blog.google/products/maps/sustainable-immersive-maps-announcements/ |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=Google |language=en-us |archive-date=December 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227223635/https://blog.google/products/maps/sustainable-immersive-maps-announcements/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An expansion of Immersive View to routes was announced at Google I/O 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-10 |title=New ways AI is making Maps more immersive |url=https://blog.google/products/maps/google-maps-updates-io-2023/ |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=Google |language=en-us |archive-date=December 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227223634/https://blog.google/products/maps/google-maps-updates-io-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and was launched in October 2023 for 15 cities globally.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-26 |title=New Maps updates: Immersive View for routes and other AI features |url=https://blog.google/products/maps/google-maps-october-2023-update/ |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=Google |language=en-us |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218053347/https://blog.google/products/maps/google-maps-october-2023-update/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The feature uses [[predictive modelling]] and [[neural radiance field]]s to scan Street View and aerial images to generate composite 3D imagery of locations, including both exteriors and interiors, and routes, including driving, walking or cycling, as well as generate synchronous information and forecasts up to a month ahead from historical and environmental data about both such as weather, traffic and busyness.

Immersive View has been available in the following locations:{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}
{| class=wikitable 
|+ Locations with Immersive View
|-
! Country
! Locations
|-
| {{flag|Argentina}} || [[Buenos Aires]]
|-
| {{flag|Australia}} || [[Melbourne]], [[Sydney]]
|-
| {{flag|Austria}} || [[Vienna]]
|-
| {{flag|Belgium}} || [[Brussels]]
|-
| {{flag|Brazil}} || [[Brasília]], [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[São Paulo]]
|-
| {{flag|Canada}} || [[Calgary]], [[Edmonton]], [[Montreal]], [[Ottawa]], [[Toronto]], [[Vancouver]]
|-
| {{flag|Chile}} || [[Santiago]]
|-
| {{flag|Czech Republic}} || [[Prague]]
|-
| {{flag|France}} || [[Nice]], [[Paris]]
|-
| {{flag|Germany}} || [[Berlin]], [[Cologne]], [[Frankfurt]], [[Munich]]
|-
| {{flag|Greece}} || [[Athens]]
|-
| {{flag|Hong Kong}} || [[Hong Kong]]
|-
| {{flag|Hungary}} || [[Budapest]]
|-
| {{flag|Italy}} || [[Florence]], [[Milan]], [[Rome]], [[Venice]]
|-
| {{flag|Japan}} || [[Kyoto]], [[Nagoya]], [[Osaka]], [[Tokyo]]
|-
| {{flag|Mexico}} || [[Guadalajara]], [[Mexico City]]
|-
| {{flag|Netherlands}} || [[Amsterdam]]
|-
| {{flag|Norway}} || [[Oslo]]
|-
| {{flag|Poland}} || [[Warsaw]]
|-
| {{flag|Portugal}} || [[Lisbon]], [[Porto]]
|-
| {{flag|Romania}} || [[Bucharest]]
|-
| {{flag|Singapore}} || [[Singapore]]
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}} || [[Cape Town]], [[Johannesburg]]
|-
| {{flag|Spain}} || [[Barcelona]], [[Madrid]]
|-
| {{flag|Sweden}} || [[Stockholm]]
|-
| {{flag|Switzerland}} || [[Zurich]]
|-
| {{flag|Taiwan}} || [[Taichung]], [[Taipei]]
|-
| {{flag|United Kingdom}} || [[Edinburgh]], [[London]]
|-
| {{flag|United States}} || [[Atlanta]], [[Boston]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Houston]], [[Las Vegas]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Miami]], [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], [[San Diego]], [[San Francisco]], [[Seattle]]
|-
| {{flag|Vatican City}} || [[Vatican City]]
|}

=== Landmark Icons ===
Google added icons of city attractions, in a similar style to [[Apple Maps]], on October 3, 2019. In the first stage, such icons were added to 9 cities.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.justinobeirne.com/google-maps-adds-landmark-icons | title=Google Maps Adds Apple-Style Landmark Icons }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== 45° imagery ===
[[File:Leaning Tower of Pisa on Google Aerial View.png|thumb|An example of the [[Leaning Tower of Pisa]] in the 45° view]]
In December 2009, Google introduced a new view consisting of 45° angle aerial imagery, offering a "[[bird's-eye view]]" of cities. The first cities available were [[San Jose, California|San Jose]] and [[San Diego]]. This feature was initially available only to developers via the Google Maps API.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/12/changing-your-perspective.html|title=Google LatLong: Changing your perspective|last=Wilson|first=Randy|date=2009-12-08|publisher=Google-latlong.blogspot.com|access-date=2010-09-18|archive-date=October 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017054223/http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/12/changing-your-perspective.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2010, it was introduced as an experimental feature in Google Maps Labs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mashable.com/2010/02/11/google-maps-labs/|title=Google Maps Get Labs With 9 Cool New Features|last=Schroeder|first=Stan|date=February 12, 2010|website=Mashable|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216201708/http://mashable.com/2010/02/12/google-maps-labs/|archive-date=February 16, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019}}</ref> In July 2010, 45° imagery was made available in Google Maps in select cities in South Africa, the United States, Germany and Italy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mashable.com/2010/07/10/google-maps-45-degree-aerial/|title=Google Maps Adds 45° Aerial Imagery For All Users|last=Axon|first=Samuel|date=July 11, 2010|website=Mashable|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217003212/http://mashable.com/2010/07/10/google-maps-45-degree-aerial/|archive-date=December 17, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019}}</ref>

=== Weather ===
In February 2024, Google Maps incorporated a small weather icon on the top left corner of the Android and iOS mobile apps, giving access to weather and [[air quality index]] details.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-07 |title=How to check weather & air quality details on Google Maps |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/techook/check-weather-air-quality-google-maps-9148982/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208170852/https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/techook/check-weather-air-quality-google-maps-9148982/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Lens in Maps ===
Previously called Search with Live View, Lens In Maps identifies shops, restaurants, transit stations and other street features with a phone's camera and places relevant information and a category pin on top, like closing/opening times, current busyness, pricing and reviews using AI and [[augmented reality]]. The feature, if available on the device, can be accessed through tapping the Lens icon in the search bar. It was expanded to 50 new cities in October 2023 in its biggest expansion yet, after initially being released in late 2022 in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, London, and Paris.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Abner |date=2022-11-17 |title=Google Maps getting Live View AR search in these cities as Lens adds 'near me' food lookup |url=https://9to5google.com/2022/11/17/google-maps-live-view-search/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=9to5Google |language=en-US |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330062808/https://9to5google.com/2022/11/17/google-maps-live-view-search/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-26 |title=New Maps updates: Lens in Maps and other AI features |url=https://blog.google/intl/en-ca/products/explore-get-answers/new-maps-updates-lens-in-maps-and-other-ai-features/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Google |language=en-ca |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114190341/https://blog.google/intl/en-ca/products/explore-get-answers/new-maps-updates-lens-in-maps-and-other-ai-features/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lens in Maps shares features with Live View, which also displays information relating to street features while guiding a user to a selected destination with virtual arrows, signs and guidance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Use Live View on Google Maps - Android - Google Maps Help |url=https://support.google.com/maps/answer/9332056?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android#zippy= |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=support.google.com |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114190340/https://support.google.com/maps/answer/9332056?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android#zippy= |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Business listings ===
[[File:Google_Maps_review_screenshot.png|thumb|180px|right|A business listing in Google Maps showing opening times, reviews and photos. This screenshot is from the Android mobile app.]]
Google collates business listings from multiple on-line and off-line sources. To reduce duplication in the index, Google's algorithm combines listings automatically based on address, phone number, or geocode,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://productforums.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!category-topic/maps/map-wont-load/V5T0RwCyBoU|title=The Google Local map results have "merged" our listing with another in the same building – Maps Help|date=April 22, 2009|access-date=January 13, 2010|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102094807/https://productforums.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!category-topic/maps/map-wont-load/V5T0RwCyBoU|url-status=live}}</ref> but sometimes information for separate businesses will be inadvertently merged with each other, resulting in listings inaccurately incorporating elements from multiple businesses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blumenthals.com/blog/2009/04/29/google-maps-merging-mania-due-to-algo-change/|title=Google Maps Merging Mania Due to Algo-Change|date=April 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503205934/http://blumenthals.com/blog/2009/04/29/google-maps-merging-mania-due-to-algo-change/|archive-date=May 3, 2009|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Google allows business owners to create and verify their own business data through ''Google Business Profile'' (''GBP''), formerly ''Google My Business'' (''GMB'').<ref>{{cite news|last=Madrigal|first=Matt|date=November 4, 2021|title=Connect with local holiday shoppers|work=Google Ads & Commerce Blog|publisher=Google|url=https://blog.google/products/ads-commerce/connect-local-holiday-shoppers/|url-status=live|access-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072631/http://www.chaddo.com/index.php/phone-and-text-verification-on-google-maps/|archive-date=January 3, 2018}}</ref> Owners are encouraged to provide Google with business information including address, phone number, business category, and photos.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sparkseo.net/blog/how-to-put-your-business-on-google-maps|title=How to Put Your Business on Google Maps|date=June 8, 2020|publisher=Spark SEO|access-date=June 23, 2020|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022043408/https://sparkseo.net/blog/how-to-put-your-business-on-google-maps|url-status=live}}</ref> Google has staff in India who check and correct listings remotely as well as support businesses with issues.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}} Google also has teams on the ground in most countries that validate physical addresses in person.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/technology/internet/17maps.html|title=Online Maps: Everyman Offers New Directions|last=Helft|first=Miguel|date=November 17, 2009|access-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312143222/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/technology/internet/17maps.html|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=live|work=[[New York Times]]}}</ref> In May 2024, Google announced it would discontinue the chat feature in Google Business Profile. Starting July 15, 2024, new chat conversations would be disabled, and by July 31, 2024, all chat functionalities would end.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Changes to Google Business Profile chat - Google Business Profile Help |url=https://support.google.com/business/answer/14919062?visit_id=638525540248324251-443400110&p=chat_sunset&rd=1 |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=support.google.com |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529045429/https://support.google.com/business/answer/14919062?visit_id=638525540248324251-443400110&p=chat_sunset&rd=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Google Maps can be manipulated by businesses that are not physically located in the area in which they record a listing. There are cases of people abusing Google Maps to overtake their competition by placing unverified listings on online directory sites, knowing the information will roll across to Google (duplicate sites). The people who update these listings do not use a registered business name. They place keywords and location details on their Google Maps business title, which can overtake credible business listings. In Australia in particular, genuine companies and businesses are noticing a trend of fake business listings in a variety of industries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2127150-thousands-of-fake-companies-added-to-google-maps-every-month/|title=Thousands of fake companies added to Google Maps every month|last=Revell|first=Timothy|date=April 7, 2017|publisher=New Scientist|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416015526/https://www.newscientist.com/article/2127150-thousands-of-fake-companies-added-to-google-maps-every-month/|archive-date=April 16, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=April 15, 2017}}</ref>

Genuine business owners can also optimize their business listings to gain greater visibility in Google Maps, through a type of search engine marketing called [[local search engine optimization]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Widewail |title=Improve Local SEO With Google Reviews {{!}} Widewail |url=https://www.widewail.com/local-seo |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=www.widewail.com |language=en |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030184349/https://www.widewail.com/local-seo |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Indoor maps ===
In March 2011, indoor maps were added to Google Maps, giving users the ability to navigate themselves within buildings such as [[airport]]s, [[museum]]s, shopping malls, [[big-box store]]s, universities, [[transport hub|transit stations]], and other public spaces (including underground facilities). Google encourages owners of public facilities to submit floor plans of their buildings in order to add them to the service.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/07/17-organizations-that-made-their-floorplans-public-on-google-maps/|title=Inside Google's Fascinating Stash of 10,000 Indoor Maps|magazine=WIRED|access-date=2018-07-12|language=en-US|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112043442/https://www.wired.com/2012/07/17-organizations-that-made-their-floorplans-public-on-google-maps/|url-status=live}}</ref> Map users can view different floors of a building or [[Metro station|subway station]] by clicking on a level selector that is displayed near any structures which are mapped on multiple levels.

=== My Maps ===
[[File:Google My Maps Civil War Example.png|thumb|Google My Maps]]
My Maps is a feature in Google Maps launched in April 2007 that enables users to create custom maps for personal use or sharing. Users can add points, lines, shapes, notes and images on top of Google Maps using a [[WYSIWYG]] editor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2007/04/05/google-releases-my-maps/|title=Google releases My Maps|last=Marshall|first=Matt|date=April 5, 2007|website=VentureBeat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404095655/https://venturebeat.com/2007/04/05/google-releases-my-maps/|archive-date=April 4, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 4, 2019}}</ref> An Android app for My Maps, initially released in March 2013 under the name Google Maps Engine Lite, was available until its removal from the [[Google Play|Play Store]] in October 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/27/google-launches-maps-engine-lite-makes-it-easy-to-create-advanced-custom-maps/|title=Google Launches Maps Engine Lite, Makes It Easy To Create Advanced Custom Maps|last=Lardinois|first=Frederic|date=March 27, 2013|website=TechCrunch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404112540/https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/27/google-launches-maps-engine-lite-makes-it-easy-to-create-advanced-custom-maps/|archive-date=April 4, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/internet/news/google-rebrands-maps-engine-to-my-maps-adds-improved-search-and-more-593468|title=Google Rebrands Maps Engine to 'My Maps', Adds Improved Search and More|last=Pratap|first=Ketan|date=September 17, 2014|website=NDTV Gadgets 360|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404112742/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/internet/news/google-rebrands-maps-engine-to-my-maps-adds-improved-search-and-more-593468|archive-date=April 4, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Deprecation of My Maps for Android - My Maps Help |url=https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/10656656?hl=en#zippy=,are-there-differences-between-the-my-maps-android-app-and-my-maps-on-the-web |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=support.google.com |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803094857/https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/10656656?hl=en#zippy=,are-there-differences-between-the-my-maps-android-app-and-my-maps-on-the-web |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Google Local Guides ===
Google Local Guides is a volunteer program launched by Google Maps<ref>{{Cite web |title=Local Guides |url=https://maps.google.com/localguides/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408220601/https://maps.google.com/localguides/ |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |access-date=August 3, 2023 |website=Google}}</ref> to enable users to contribute to Google Maps when registered. It sometimes provides them additional perks and benefits for their collaboration. Users can achieve Level 1 to 10, and be awarded with badges. The program is partially a successor to [[Google Map Maker]] as features from the former program became integrated into the website and app.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/mapmaker/answer/7195127|title=Google Map Maker has closed|website=Google Map Maker help|access-date=August 3, 2018|archive-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619155044/http://www.google.com/mapmaker?ll=63.303775,-20.601959&spn=0.021517,0.065918&t=h&z=14&lyt=large_map_v3&hyaw=136.090660347804|url-status=live}}</ref>

The program consists of adding reviews, photos, basic information, and videos; and correcting information such as [[Accessibility|wheelchair accessibility]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/google-maps-local-guides-programme-to-get-video-reviews-1750856|title=Google Testing Video Reviews in Maps|work=NDTV Gadgets360.com|access-date=June 20, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024222717/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/google-maps-local-guides-programme-to-get-video-reviews-1750856|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.slashgear.com/google-calls-on-local-guides-to-add-wheelchair-info-to-maps-07498741/|title=Google calls on Local Guides to add wheelchair info to Maps|date=2017-09-07|work=SlashGear|access-date=2018-07-12|language=en-US|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026164235/https://www.slashgear.com/google-calls-on-local-guides-to-add-wheelchair-info-to-maps-07498741/|url-status=live}}</ref> Adding reviews, photos, videos, new places, new roads or providing useful information gives points to the users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Southern |first=Matt G. |date=2022-05-13 |title=Google Local Guides Program: How To Earn Points & Badges |url=https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-local-guides-program-adds-new-levels-new-perks/202294/ |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=Search Engine Journal |language=en |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121143048/https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-local-guides-program-adds-new-levels-new-perks/202294/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The level of users is upgraded when they get a certain amount of points.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Local Guides |url=https://maps.google.com/localguides/ |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=maps.google.com |language=en |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207000829/https://maps.google.com/localguides |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="support.google.com">{{Cite web |title=Points, levels, and badging - Local Guides Help |url=https://support.google.com/local-guides/answer/6225851?hl=en&ref_topic=6225845 |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=support.google.com |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121143048/https://support.google.com/local-guides/answer/6225851?hl=en&ref_topic=6225845 |url-status=live }}</ref> Starting with Level 4, a star is shown near the avatar of the user.<ref name="support.google.com"/>

=== Timelapse ===
Earth Timelapse, released in April 2021, is a program in which users can see how the earth has been changed in the last 37 years. They combined the 15 million satellite images (roughly ten quadrillion [[pixel]]s) to create the 35 global cloud-free Images for this program.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-15|title=Google Earth's new time travel feature is a gigantic bummer|url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/google-earths-new-time-travel-feature-is-a-gigantic-bummer-4132269|access-date=2021-04-16|website=Trusted Reviews|language=en|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416132827/https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/google-earths-new-time-travel-feature-is-a-gigantic-bummer-4132269|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Timeline===
If a user shares their location with Google, Timeline summarises this location for each day on a [https://timeline.google.com/ Timeline map].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Antonelli |first=William |date=2021-11-26 |title=How to check your Google Maps timeline and see every place you've traveled |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/google-maps-timeline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703113004/https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/google-maps-timeline?r=US&IR=T |archive-date=2023-07-03 |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> Timeline estimates the mode of travel used to move between places and will also show photos taken at that location. In June 2024, Google started progressively removing access to the timeline on web browsers, with the information instead being stored on a local device.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Update Google Maps to use Timeline on your device - Computer - Google Maps Help |url=https://support.google.com/maps/answer/14169818? |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=support.google.com |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615081819/https://support.google.com/maps/answer/14169818 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-05 |title=Google Maps gets rid of another feature on Web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/google-maps-gets-rid-another-220221240.html |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=Yahoo Tech |language=en-US |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615081819/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/google-maps-gets-rid-another-220221240.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Implementation ==
[[File:Google Maps and Street View redesigned screenshot.png|thumb|right|A split-view screenshot of Google Maps. In the bottom half ''Street Maps'' is shown, while in the top half ''Street View'' is shown. A user can zoom in and out of either of them independently of the zoom level of each.]]
As the user drags the map, the grid squares are downloaded from the server and inserted into the page. When a user searches for a business, the results are downloaded in the background for insertion into the side panel and map; the page is not reloaded. A hidden [[HTML element#Frames|iframe]] with form submission is used because it preserves browser history. Like many other Google web applications, Google Maps uses [[JavaScript]] extensively.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.techgau.org/2012/06/google-revises-their-map-adds-offline.html |title=Google Revises Their Map, Adds Offline Version and 3D Imaging |publisher=TechGau.org |author=Gautham, A. S. |access-date=June 9, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613173216/http://www.techgau.org/2012/06/google-revises-their-map-adds-offline.html |archive-date=June 13, 2012 }}</ref> The site also uses protocol buffers for data transfer rather than [[JSON]], for performance reasons.

The version of [[Google Street View]] for classic Google Maps required [[Adobe Flash]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/mar/20/google-street-view1|title=Where the streets all have Google's name|last=Arthur|first=Charles|date=March 20, 2009|access-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305025955/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/mar/20/google-street-view1|archive-date=March 5, 2017|url-status=live|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> In October 2011, Google announced MapsGL, a [[WebGL]] version of Maps with better renderings and smoother transitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/step-inside-map-with-google-mapsgl.html|title=Step inside the map with Google MapsGL |date= October 13, 2011 |first1=Brian |last1=McClendon |publisher=Official Google Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410055542/http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/step-inside-map-with-google-mapsgl.html|archive-date=April 10, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=April 25, 2012}}</ref> Indoor maps use JPG, .PNG, .PDF, .BMP, or .GIF, for [[floor plan]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/maps/answer/2803784?co=GENIE.Platform=Desktop|title=Use indoor maps to view floor plans – Computer |website=Google Maps Help|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062834/https://support.google.com/maps/answer/2803784?co=GENIE.Platform=Desktop|archive-date=February 27, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Users who are logged into a [[Google Account]] can save locations so that they are overlaid on the map with various colored "pins" whenever they browse the application. These "Saved places" can be organized into default groups or user named groups and shared with other users. "Starred places" is one default group example. It previously automatically created a record within the now-discontinued product [[Google Bookmarks]].

=== Map data and imagery ===
{{See also|List of satellite map images with missing or unclear data}}The Google Maps terms and conditions<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maps.google.com/help/terms_maps.html|title=Google Maps/Google Earth Additional Terms of Service |publisher=Google Maps|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208034157/http://maps.google.com/help/terms_maps.html|archive-date=February 8, 2010|url-status=live|access-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref> state that usage of material from Google Maps is regulated by Google Terms of Service<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/|title=Google Terms of Service |website=Google |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125031300/http://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/|archive-date=January 25, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref> and some additional restrictions. Google has either purchased local map data from established companies, or has entered into lease agreements to use copyrighted map data.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/help/legalnotices_maps/|title=Legal Notices for Google Maps/Google Earth and Google Maps/Google Earth APIs |website=Google |access-date=October 3, 2019|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119143234/https://www.google.com/help/legalnotices_maps/|url-status=live}}</ref> The owner of the copyright is listed at the bottom of zoomed maps. For example, street maps in Japan are leased from [[Zenrin]]. Street maps in China are leased from [[AutoNavi]].<ref name="Lee-2012">{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-05/apple-shares-google-china-map-partner-in-win-for-autonavi.html |url-access=subscription |title=Apple Shares Google China Map Partner in Win for Autonavi|last=Lee|first=Mark|website=[[Bloomberg News]]|date=July 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018152101/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-05/apple-shares-google-china-map-partner-in-win-for-autonavi.html|archive-date=October 18, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Russian street maps are leased from Geocentre Consulting and [[Tele Atlas]]. Data for [[North Korea]] is sourced from the companion project [[Google Map Maker]].

Street map overlays, in some areas, may not match up precisely with the corresponding satellite images. The street data may be entirely erroneous, or simply out of date: "The biggest challenge is the currency of data, the authenticity of data," said Google Earth representative [[Brian McClendon]]. As a result, in March 2008 Google added a feature to edit the locations of houses and businesses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maps.google.com/help/maps/edit/|title=Improve information in Google Maps for the world to see|publisher=Google Maps|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212195236/https://maps.google.com/help/maps/edit/|archive-date=December 12, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2008/03/its-your-world-map-it.html|title=Google LatLong: It's your world. Map it|last=Balakrishnan|first=Ramesh|date=March 18, 2008|publisher=Google-latlong.blogspot.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230065026/http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2008/03/its-your-world-map-it.html|archive-date=December 30, 2009|url-status=live|access-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref>

Restrictions have been placed on Google Maps through the apparent censoring of locations deemed potential security threats. In some cases the area of redaction is for specific buildings, but in other cases, such as Washington, D.C.,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/21/AR2007072101296.html|title=Google's View of D.C. Melds New and Sharp, Old and Fuzzy|last=Johnson|first=Jenna|date=July 22, 2007|access-date=May 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213102542/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/21/AR2007072101296.html|archive-date=February 13, 2011|url-status=live|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> the restriction is to use outdated imagery.

=== Google Maps API ===
Google Maps API, now called Google Maps Platform, hosts about 17 different [[API]]s, which are themed under the following categories: Maps, Places and Routes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation|title=Google Maps Platform Documentation|website=Google for Developers |language=en-US|access-date=2020-06-23|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128011427/https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the success of reverse-engineered mashups such as chicagocrime.org and housingmaps.com, Google launched the Google Maps API in June 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/06/world-is-your-javascript-enabled_29.html|title= The world is your JavaScript-enabled oyster |website=Official Google Blog |date= June 29, 2005  |first1=Bret |last1=Taylor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930054454/http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/06/world-is-your-javascript-enabled_29.html|archive-date=September 30, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> to allow developers to integrate Google Maps into their websites. It was a free service that did not require an [[API key]] until June 2018 (changes went into effect on July 16), when it was announced that an API key linked to a Google Cloud account with billing enabled would be required to access the API.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/user-guide/|title=User Guide {{!}} Google Maps Platform |website=Google Cloud|language=en|access-date=2018-07-10|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112030654/https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/user-guide|url-status=dead }}</ref> The API {{as of|2010|8|25|alt=currently}} does not contain ads, but Google states in their terms of use that they reserve the right to display ads in the future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://developers.google.com/maps/terms?csw=1 |website=Google |title=Google Maps API – Terms of use|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224113528/https://developers.google.com/maps/terms?csw=1|archive-date=December 24, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

By using the Google Maps [[Application programming interface|API]], it is possible to embed Google Maps into an external website, onto which site-specific data can be overlaid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://syntaxxx.com/php-and-mysql-working-with-google-maps/|title=PHP and MySQL: Working with Google Maps|first=Ian|last=Rose|publisher=Syntaxxx |date= February 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018175658/http://syntaxxx.com/php-and-mysql-working-with-google-maps/|archive-date=October 18, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=October 13, 2014}}</ref> Although initially only a [[JavaScript]] API, the Maps API was expanded to include an API for [[Adobe Flash]] applications (but this has been deprecated), a service for retrieving static map images, and [[web service]]s for performing [[geocoding]], generating driving directions, and obtaining elevation profiles. Over 1,000,000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-fresh-new-look-for-maps-api-for-all.html |website=Google Maps Platform  |first1=Ken |last1=Hoetmer |title=A fresh new look for the Maps API, for all one million sites|date=May 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128131730/http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-fresh-new-look-for-maps-api-for-all.html|archive-date=November 28, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> web sites use the Google Maps API, making it the most heavily used web application development API.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.programmableweb.com/apis|title=APIs Dashboard |publisher=ProgrammableWeb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430191115/http://www.programmableweb.com/apis|archive-date=April 30, 2016|url-status=dead |access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref> In September 2011, Google announced it would deprecate the Google Maps API for Flash.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-spring-clean.html |website=Official Google Blog |title=A fall spring-clean|first=Alan|last=Eustace|date=September 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907013015/http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-spring-clean.html|archive-date=September 7, 2011|url-status=live|access-date=September 2, 2011}}</ref>

The Google Maps API was free for commercial use, provided that the site on which it is being used is publicly accessible and did not charge for access, and was not generating more than 25,000 map accesses a day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://developers.google.com/maps/faq?csw=1#tos_commercial |website=Google for Developers |title=Google Maps API FAQ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116145315/https://developers.google.com/maps/faq?csw=1#tos_commercial|archive-date=January 16, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://developers.google.com/maps/faq?csw=1#usagelimits |website=Google for Developers |title=Google Maps API FAQ Usage Limits|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116145315/https://developers.google.com/maps/faq?csw=1#usagelimits|archive-date=January 16, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Sites that did not meet these requirements could purchase the Google Maps API for Business.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/enterprise/mapsearth/|title=Google Maps for Business |website=Google |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224021248/http://www.google.com/enterprise/mapsearth/|archive-date=December 24, 2013|url-status=dead }}</ref>

As of June 21, 2018, Google increased the prices of the Maps API and requires a billing profile.<ref>{{cite web |title=Introducing Google Maps Platform |url=https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/maps-platform/introducing-google-maps-platform |website=Google |access-date=14 September 2022 |date=2 May 2018 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914030637/https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/maps-platform/introducing-google-maps-platform |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Google Maps in China ===
Due to [[restrictions on geographic data in China]], Google Maps must partner with a Chinese digital map provider in order to legally show Chinese map data. Since 2006, this partner has been [[AutoNavi]].<ref name="Lee-2012" />

Within China, the State Council mandates that all maps of China use the [[GCJ-02]] coordinate system, which is offset from the [[WGS-84]] system used in most of the world. google.''cn''/maps (formerly Google Ditu) uses the GCJ-02 system for both its street maps<ref>{{cite web|url=http://google.cn/maps/@31.2423,121.4914,20z|title=Google China street map uses GCJ-02 coordinates|author1=Monument to the People's Heroes|author-link1=Monument to the People's Heroes (Shanghai)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525200300/http://www.google.cn/maps/%4031.2423%2C121.4914%2C20z|archive-date=May 25, 2017|access-date=April 8, 2015}}</ref> and satellite imagery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://google.cn/maps/@31.24228,121.49142,137m/data=!3m1!1e3|title=Google China satellite imagery uses GCJ-02 coordinates|author1=Monument to the People's Heroes|author-link1=Monument to the People's Heroes (Shanghai)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525200729/http://www.google.cn/maps/%4031.24228%2C121.49142%2C137m/data%3D%213m1%211e3|archive-date=May 25, 2017|access-date=April 8, 2015}}</ref> google.''com''/maps also uses GCJ-02 data for the street map, but uses WGS-84 coordinates for satellite imagery,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/@31.2423,121.4914,267m/data=!3m1!1e3|title=Google.com satellite imagery uses WGS-84 coordinates|author1=Monument to the People's Heroes|author-link1=Monument to the People's Heroes (Shanghai)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118150131/https://www.google.com/maps/@31.2423,121.4914,267m/data=!3m1!1e3|archive-date=November 18, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=April 8, 2015}}</ref> causing the so-called [[restrictions on geographic data in China#GPS shift problem|China GPS shift problem]].

Frontier alignments also present some differences between google.''cn''/maps and google.''com''/maps. On the latter, sections of the Chinese border with India and Pakistan are shown with dotted lines, indicating areas or frontiers in dispute. However, google.''cn'' shows the Chinese frontier strictly according to Chinese claims with no dotted lines indicating the border with India and Pakistan. For example, the [[South Tibet]] region claimed by China but administered by India as a large part of [[Arunachal Pradesh]] is shown inside the Chinese frontier by google.''cn'', with Indian highways ending abruptly at the Chinese claim line. Google.''cn'' also shows Taiwan and the [[South China Sea Islands]] as part of China. Google Ditu's street map coverage of Taiwan no longer omits major state organs, such as the Presidential Palace, the [[Constitution of the Republic of China|five Yuans]], and the Supreme Court.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/streetview/understand/|title=Where We've Been & Where We're Headed Next|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928204734/https://www.google.com/streetview/understand/|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=January 2, 2018}}</ref>{{additional citation needed|date=April 2022}}

Google.''cn''/maps does not provide My Maps. On the other hand, while google.''cn'' displays virtually all text in Chinese, google.''com''/maps displays most text (user-selectable real text as well as those on map) in English.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} This behavior of displaying English text is not consistent but intermittent – sometimes it is in English, sometimes it is in Chinese. The criteria for choosing which language is displayed are not known publicly.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}

== Criticism and controversies ==
=== Incorrect location naming ===
There are cases where Google Maps had added out-of-date neighborhood monikers. Thus, in Los Angeles, the name "Brooklyn Heights" was revived from its 1870s usage<ref name="Martin-2018">{{cite news |url=https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/google-maps-brooklyn-heights/ |title=Why Is Google Maps Using a 19th Century Name for an L.A. Neighborhood? |work=[[Los Angeles (magazine)|Los Angeles]] |first=Brittany |last=Martin |date=September 12, 2018 |access-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126171747/https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/google-maps-brooklyn-heights/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and "Silver Lake Heights" from its 1920s usage,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://laist.com/news/google-maps-is-confusing-angelenos |title=Google Maps' Phantom Neighborhoods Are Confusing Southern Californians. Help Us Keep Track Of Them |author-first1=Ryan|author-last1=Fonseca|website=LAist|date=September 12, 2018 |access-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126173557/https://laist.com/news/google-maps-is-confusing-angelenos |url-status=live }}</ref> or mistakenly relabeled areas (in Detroit, the neighborhood "Fiskhorn" became "Fishkorn").<ref name="Nicas-2018">{{cite news |author=Nicas |first=Jack |date=August 2, 2018 |title=As Google Maps Renames Neighborhoods, Residents Fume |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/02/technology/google-maps-neighborhood-names.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131031017/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/02/technology/google-maps-neighborhood-names.html |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |access-date=January 24, 2023 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Because many companies utilize Google Maps data, these previously obscure or incorrect names then gain traction; the names are often used by [[Real estate agent|realtors]], hotels, [[food delivery]] sites, [[Online dating service|dating sites]], and [[News media|news organizations]].

Google has said it created its maps from third-party data, public sources, satellites, and users, but many names used have not been connected to any official record.<ref name="Martin-2018" /><ref name="Nicas-2018" /> According to a former Google Maps employee (who was not authorized to speak publicly), users can submit changes to Google Maps, but some submissions are ruled upon by people with little local knowledge of a place, such as contractors in India. Critics maintain that names likes "BoCoCa" (for the area in Brooklyn between Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens), are "just plain puzzling" or simply made up.<ref name="Nicas-2018" /> Some names used by Google have been traced to non-professionally made maps with typographical errors that survived on Google Maps.<ref name="Nicas-2018" />

=== Potential misuse ===
{{See also|Google Street View privacy concerns|List of satellite map images with missing or unclear data}}
In 2005 the [[Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation]] (ANSTO) complained about the potential for terrorists to use the satellite images in planning attacks, with specific reference to the [[Open-pool Australian lightwater reactor|Lucas Heights nuclear reactor]]; however, the Australian Federal government did not support the organization's concern. At the time of the ANSTO complaint, Google had colored over some areas for security (mostly in the U.S.), such as the rooftop of the [[White House]] and several other Washington, D.C. buildings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blurred Out: 51 Things You Aren't Allowed to See on Google Maps |url=http://www.itsecurity.com/features/51-things-not-on-google-maps-071508/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721174419/http://www.itsecurity.com/features/51-things-not-on-google-maps-071508/ |archive-date=July 21, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Google Maps: The White House — Elliott C. Back |url=http://elliottback.com/wp/archives/2005/04/08/google-maps-the-white-house/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201202900/http://elliottback.com/wp/archives/2005/04/08/google-maps-the-white-house/ |archive-date=December 1, 2008 |access-date=August 27, 2010 |website=Elliottback.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Barlow |first=Karen |date=August 8, 2005 |title=Google Earth prompts security fears |newspaper=ABC News Online |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/indepth/featureitems/s1432602.htm |access-date=November 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616031427/http://www.abc.net.au/news/indepth/featureitems/s1432602.htm |archive-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref>

In October 2010, Nicaraguan military commander [[Edén Pastora]] [[Costa Rica–Nicaragua San Juan River border dispute#2010 Isla Calero dispute|stationed Nicaraguan troops]] on the [[Isla Calero]] (in the delta of the [[San Juan River (Nicaragua)|San Juan River]]), justifying his action on the border delineation given by Google Maps. Google has since updated its data which it found to be incorrect.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 5, 2010 |title=Google Maps border becomes part of international dispute |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-05/tech/nicaragua.raid.google.maps_1_google-maps-google-spokeswoman-google-earth? |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508142002/http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-05/tech/nicaragua.raid.google.maps_1_google-maps-google-spokeswoman-google-earth |first=John D. |last=Sutter |archive-date=May 8, 2012 |access-date=April 25, 2012 |publisher=CNN }}</ref>

On January 27, 2014, documents leaked by [[Edward Snowden]] revealed that the [[NSA]] and the [[GCHQ]] intercepted Google Maps queries made on smartphones, and used them to locate the users making these queries. One leaked document, dating to 2008, stated that "[i]t effectively means that anyone using Google Maps on a smartphone is working in support of a GCHQ system."<ref>{{cite news |last=Ball |first=James |date=January 28, 2014 |title=Angry Birds and 'leaky' phone apps targeted by NSA and GCHQ for user data |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/27/nsa-gchq-smartphone-app-angry-birds-personal-data |url-status=live |access-date=March 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302173109/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/27/nsa-gchq-smartphone-app-angry-birds-personal-data |archive-date=March 2, 2014}}</ref>

In May 2015, searches on Google Maps for offensive racial epithets for African Americans pointed the user to the [[White House]]; Google apologized for the incident.<ref>Gibbs, Samuel. [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/20/google-apologises-racist-google-maps-white-house-search-results Google says sorry over racist Google Maps White House search results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414183643/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/20/google-apologises-racist-google-maps-white-house-search-results|date=April 14, 2022}}. [[The Guardian]]. Retrieved on 15 April 2022</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fung |first=Brian |date=2021-12-06 |title=If you search Google Maps for the N-word, it gives you the White House |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/05/19/if-you-search-google-maps-for-the-n-word-it-gives-you-the-white-house/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423140612/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/05/19/if-you-search-google-maps-for-the-n-word-it-gives-you-the-white-house/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2015, 3 Japanese [[netizen]]s were charged with vandalism after they were found to have added an unrelated law firm's name as well as indecent names to locations such as "[[Nuclear test site]]" to the [[Hiroshima Peace Memorial|Atomic Bomb Dome]] and "Izumo [[Aum Shinrikyo|Satya]]" to the [[Izumo-taisha|Izumo Taisha]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-02 |title=グーグルマップ改ざん、３人書類送検 業務妨害容疑 |url=http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASHD1346ZHD1UTIL00L.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201025122/http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASHD1346ZHD1UTIL00L.html |archive-date=2015-12-01 |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=[[Asahi Shimbun]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-12-01 |title=グーグルマップの施設名を勝手に書き換え 大学生ら3人書類送検 |url=http://www.fnn-news.com/news/headlines/articles/CONN00309945.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204054032/http://www.fnn-news.com/news/headlines/articles/CONN00309945.html |archive-date=2015-12-04 |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=FNN Prime Online}}</ref>

In February 2020, the artist Simon Weckert<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.simonweckert.com/googlemapshacks.html |title=Google Maps Hacks |website=Simon Weckert |access-date=31 July 2024 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806221436/https://www.simonweckert.com/googlemapshacks.html |url-status=live }}</ref> used 99 cell phones to fake a Google Maps traffic jam.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=An Artist Used 99 Phones to Fake a Google Maps Traffic Jam |url=https://www.wired.com/story/99-phones-fake-google-maps-traffic-jam/ |magazine=Wired |language=en |issn=1059-1028 |access-date=2020-02-04 |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117015636/https://www.wired.com/story/99-phones-fake-google-maps-traffic-jam/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2024, several schools in Taiwan and Hong Kong were altered to incorrect labels, such as "[[psychiatric hospitals]]" or "[[prisons]]". Initially, it was believed to be the result of hacker attacks. However, police later revealed that local students had carried out the prank. Google quickly corrected the mislabeled entries. Education officials in Taiwan and Hong Kong expressed concern over the incident.<ref>{{cite web | last=Liu | first=Oscar | title=Hong Kong officials concerned over pranksters renaming schools on Google Maps | website=South China Morning Post | date=2024-09-19 | url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3279201/nobi-nobita-college-hong-kong-concerned-over-pranksters-renaming-schools-google-maps | access-date=2024-11-18 | archive-date=November 22, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122211426/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3279201/nobi-nobita-college-hong-kong-concerned-over-pranksters-renaming-schools-google-maps | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | first=Jono | last=Thomson | title=Google says spoofed Taiwan school names being fixed | website=Taiwan News | date=2024-09-23 | url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/5940375 | access-date=2024-11-18 | archive-date=November 29, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129194448/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/5940375 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title=Google地圖改校名之亂 警查出是學生惡搞學校 | url=https://udn.com/news/story/6885/8250089 | website=聯合新聞網 | language=zh-Hant-TW | last=聯合新聞網 | access-date=2024-11-18 | archive-date=December 31, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231053629/https://udn.com/news/story/6885/8250089 | url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Misdirection incidents ===

==== Argentina ====
In May 2025, a Brazilian tourist driving from [[Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz|Perito Moreno]] to [[El Calafate]] walked {{convert|25|km|mi}} on foot during a snowstorm after Google Maps directed him to an unpaved section of Santa Cruz's 29 highway where his car got stranded. He was rescued by local police after walking for five hours in freezing weather.<ref name="Rio Negro">{{cite news |title=A pie, solo y en la nieve: así encontraron al turista brasileño perdido en un tramo viejo de la Ruta 40 |url=https://www.rionegro.com.ar/sociedad/video-solo-sin-senal-y-a-pie-asi-fue-el-rescate-del-turista-brasileno-perdido-en-la-nieve-en-santa-cruz-4139580/ |language=es |access-date=31 May 2025 |agency=Diario Río Negro |date=22 May 2025}}</ref>

==== Australia ====
In August 2023, a woman driving from [[Alice Springs]] to the Harts Range Racecourse was stranded in the Central Australian desert for a night after following directions provided by Google Maps.<ref name="Allison-2023">{{Cite news |last1=Allison |first1=Charmayne |last2=Robinson |first2=Lee |last3=Goetze |first3=Eliza |date=2023-08-15 |title=A student nurse was left stranded in the desert with just an esky of beers after Google Maps led her astray |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-16/google-maps-leaves-student-nurse-stranded-in-desert/102729818 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922141922/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-16/google-maps-leaves-student-nurse-stranded-in-desert/102729818 |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |access-date=2023-09-22 |work=[[ABC News Australia]] |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera-2023">{{Cite web |date=21 September 2023 |title=Google sued after man drove off collapsed bridge following map directions |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/21/google-sued-after-man-drove-off-collapsed-bridge-following-map-directions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125084122/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/21/google-sued-after-man-drove-off-collapsed-bridge-following-map-directions |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |language=en}}</ref> She later discovered that Google Maps was providing directions for the actual [[Hart Range, Northern Territory|Harts Range]] instead of the rodeo. Google said it was looking into the naming of the two locations and consulting with "local and authoritative sources" to solve the issue.<ref name="Allison-2023" />

In February 2024, two German tourists were stranded for a week after Google Maps directed them to follow a dirt track through [[Oyala Thumotang National Park]] and their vehicle became trapped in mud.<ref name="Meacham-2024">{{Cite web |last=Meacham |first=Savannah |date=2024-02-21 |title='I wouldn't want to live this again': Tourists lost for a week after Google Maps mishap |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/queensland/i-wouldn-t-want-to-live-this-again-tourists-lost-for-a-week-after-google-maps-mishap-20240221-p5f6rn.html |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |language=en |agency=[[Australian Associated Press]] |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227020817/https://www.smh.com.au/national/queensland/i-wouldn-t-want-to-live-this-again-tourists-lost-for-a-week-after-google-maps-mishap-20240221-p5f6rn.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lagan |first=Bernard |date=2024-02-29 |title=Google Maps stranded us with crocodiles and snakes in the outback |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/article/google-maps-stranded-us-with-crocodiles-and-snakes-in-the-outback-bgxz6r0w5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240223113341/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/google-maps-stranded-us-with-crocodiles-and-snakes-in-the-outback-bgxz6r0w5 |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=[[The Times]] |language=en |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> [[Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service]] ranger Roger James said, "People should not trust Google Maps when they're travelling in remote regions of [[Queensland]], and they need to follow the signs, use official maps or other navigational devices."<ref name="Meacham-2024" />

==== North America ====
In June 2019, Google Maps provided nearly 100 [[Colorado]] drivers an alternative route that led to a dirt road after a crash occurred on [[Peña Boulevard]]. The road had been turned to mud by rain, resulting in nearly 100 vehicles being trapped.<ref name="Lou-2019">{{Cite web |last=Lou |first=Michelle |date=2019-06-26 |title=Nearly 100 drivers followed a Google Maps detour – and ended up stuck in an empty field |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/26/us/google-maps-detour-colorado-trnd/index.html |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213234347/https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/26/us/google-maps-detour-colorado-trnd/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera-2023" /> Google said in a statement, "While we always work to provide the best directions, issues can arise due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather. We encourage all drivers to follow local laws, stay attentive, and use their best judgment while driving."<ref name="Lou-2019" />

In September 2023, Google was sued by a [[North Carolina]] resident who alleged that Google Maps had directed her husband over the Snow Creek Bridge in [[Hickory, North Carolina|Hickory]] the year prior, resulting in him drowning. According to the lawsuit, multiple people had notified Google about the state of the bridge, which collapsed in 2013, but Google had not updated the route information and continued to direct users over the bridge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=2023-09-21 |title=Google sued over fatal Google Maps error after man drove off broken bridge |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/09/lawsuit-says-man-died-after-google-maps-directed-him-over-collapsed-bridge/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |language=en-us |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922163735/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/09/lawsuit-says-man-died-after-google-maps-directed-him-over-collapsed-bridge/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Jamiel |date=2023-09-21 |title=Family sues Google alleging its Maps app led father to drive off collapsed bridge to his death, attorneys say |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/21/us/father-death-google-gps-drive-off-bridge-lawsuit-north-carolina/index.html |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125084120/https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/21/us/father-death-google-gps-drive-off-bridge-lawsuit-north-carolina/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera-2023" /> At the time of the man's death, the barriers placed to block access to the bridge had been vandalized.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ritter |first=Moira |date=September 20, 2023 |title=Dad of 2 died after driving off collapsed bridge, family says. Now, Google being sued |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article279563759.html |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=[[The Charlotte Observer]] |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118220946/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article279563759.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Matza |first=Max |date=2023-09-21 |title=Google accused of directing motorist to drive off collapsed bridge |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66873982 |access-date=2024-01-25 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120070521/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66873982 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2023, a hiker was rescued by helicopter on the backside of [[Mount Fromme]] in [[Vancouver]]. [[North Shore Rescue]] stated on its Facebook page that the hiker had followed a non-existent hiking trail on Google Maps. This was also the second hiker in two months to require rescuing after following the same trail. The fake trail has since been removed from the app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Adam |date=2023-11-08 |title=A Hiker Is Lucky to Be Alive After Following a Fake Trail on Google Maps |url=https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/a-hiker-is-lucky-to-be-alive-after-following-a-fake-trail-on-google-maps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110005235/https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/a-hiker-is-lucky-to-be-alive-after-following-a-fake-trail-on-google-maps/ |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=[[Backpacker (magazine)|Backpacker]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Holpuch |first=Amanda |date=November 12, 2023 |title=Hikers Rescued After Following Nonexistent Trail on Google Maps |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/world/canada/google-maps-trail-british-columbia.html |access-date=February 29, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110094932/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/world/canada/google-maps-trail-british-columbia.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Also in November 2023, Google apologized after users were directed through desert roads after parts of [[Interstate 15]] were closed due to a [[dust storm]].<ref name="Wilson-2023">{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Madeline |title=Google Maps Is Sorry for Sending L.A.-Bound Drivers on Nightmare Desert Detour |url=https://lamag.com/latravel/google-maps-sorry-for-sending-la-las-vegas-drivers-on-nightmare-desert-detour |access-date=November 29, 2023 |work=[[Los Angeles (magazine)|Los Angeles]] |date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215221000/https://lamag.com/latravel/google-maps-sorry-for-sending-la-las-vegas-drivers-on-nightmare-desert-detour |url-status=live }}</ref> Drivers became stranded after following the suggested detour route, which was a "bumpy dirt trail".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wu |first1=Daniel |title=Google apologizes after map led drivers down dirt path into the desert |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/11/28/google-maps-desert-detour-california-vegas-formula-one/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 28, 2023 |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129010730/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/11/28/google-maps-desert-detour-california-vegas-formula-one/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the incident, Google stated that Google Maps would "no longer route drivers traveling between [[Las Vegas]] and [[Barstow, California|Barstow]] down through those roads."<ref name="Wilson-2023"/>

==== Russia ====
In 2020, a teenage motorist was found frozen to death while his passenger was still alive but suffered from severe [[frostbite]] after using Google Maps, which had led them to a shorter but abandoned section of the [[R504 Kolyma Highway]], where their [[Toyota Chaser]] became disabled.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Will |date=2020-12-11 |title=Man frozen to death after Google Maps wrong turn |url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/man-frozen-to-death-after-google-maps-wrong-turn/news-story/13e10cbbc96494ee26e6dea29f4fb469 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210708182405/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/man-frozen-to-death-after-google-maps-wrong-turn/news-story/13e10cbbc96494ee26e6dea29f4fb469 |archive-date=2021-07-08 |access-date=2024-03-02 |work=[[news.com.au]]}}</ref>

==== India ====
Google Maps has been linked to several misdirection incidents in India in 2024.<ref name="Bhattacharya-2025" /> In 2024, three men from [[Uttar Pradesh]] died after their car fell from an under-construction bridge. They were using Google Maps for driving which misdirected them and the car fell into the [[Ramganga]] river.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-25 |title=Google Maps leads three men to death as car plunges from incomplete bridge into river in Bareilly, UP |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/google-maps-leads-three-men-to-death-as-car-plunges-from-incomplete-bridge-into-river-in-bareilly-up/articleshow/115651260.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-11-25 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=November 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125142729/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/google-maps-leads-three-men-to-death-as-car-plunges-from-incomplete-bridge-into-river-in-bareilly-up/articleshow/115651260.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-24 |title=UP News: Google Map Route Leads To Death Of 3, Car Falls Into Ramganga River in Bareilly |url=https://english.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/up-news-three-dead-after-car-plunges-into-ramganga-river-in-bareilly-driver-followed-google-maps-to-incomplete-bridge-10203012 |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=English Jagran |language=en |archive-date=November 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124184823/https://english.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/up-news-three-dead-after-car-plunges-into-ramganga-river-in-bareilly-driver-followed-google-maps-to-incomplete-bridge-10203012 |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge had no warning signs or barricades in place at the time of the incident. Engineers from the state's road department and a Google Maps official were identified in a police complaint on charges related to the case.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mollan |first1=Cherylann |last2=Syed Moziz |first2=Imam |title=A fatal car crash in India sparks concerns over Google Maps |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly23yknjy9o |access-date=22 April 2025 |work=BBC News |date=29 November 2024}}</ref>

=== Labelling disputes ===
In February 2025, Google said that it would change all parks labelled "[[state park]]s" in [[Canada]] to "[[provincial park]]s". This issue predated the [[Second presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] but gained attention after Trump stated that he would like [[Movements for the annexation of Canada to the United States|Canada to become the 51st state]]. The "state park" listing was criticized by Canadians, including [[British Columbia]] environment minister [[Tamara Davidson]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kurjata |first=Andrew |date=24 February 2025 |title=Google says it's updating Canadian parks listed as state parks in its search and maps |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/why-are-provincial-parks-listed-as-state-parks-on-google-maps-1.7466824 |access-date=28 May 2025 |work=[[CBC News]] |agency=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Greenberg |first=Courtney |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Canadians upset at 'state' labels for provincial parks on Google Maps |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/google-maps-canadian-provincial-parks-label |access-date=May 30, 2025 |work=[[National Post]]}}</ref>

=== Naming disputes ===
In 2012, BBC News reported that Google was facing potential legal action from Iran for its lack of a naming label for the [[Persian Gulf]] on Google Maps. The body of water was not labelled on the map; Iran said Google would see "serious damages" if the gulf was not named on the map.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iran 'to sue Google' for not labelling Gulf on world map |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18108246 |access-date=26 April 2025 |work=BBC News |date=17 May 2012}}</ref> The gulf is the subject of a [[Persian Gulf naming dispute|naming dispute]]. Since 2016, Google Maps has displayed both Persian Gulf and Arabian Gulf on the body of water and shows "either Arabian or Persian Gulf to local users, depending on geolocation and language settings."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zraick |first1=Karen |title=Persian (or Arabian) Gulf Is Caught in the Middle of Regional Rivalries |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/13/world/middleeast/persian-gulf-arabian-gulf-iran-saudi-arabia.html |access-date=April 26, 2025 |work=The New York Times |date=January 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116063936/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/13/world/middleeast/persian-gulf-arabian-gulf-iran-saudi-arabia.html |archive-date=January 16, 2016}}</ref>

In February 2025, as a response to [[Donald Trump]]'s [[Executive Order 14172]], the [[Gulf of Mexico]] was relabeled to "Gulf of America" for US users and "Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)" elsewhere, except for Mexico itself where it remained the Gulf of Mexico. The decision received criticism, with Mexican president [[Claudia Sheinbaum]] asking Google to reconsider its decision,<ref>{{cite web |last=Hauari |first=Gabe |date=2025-01-31 |title=Mexico's president asks Google not to rename Gulf of Mexico |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/01/31/mexico-president-google-maps-rename-gulf-of-mexico-america/78080358007/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> and stating that her government would not rule out filing a [[civil lawsuit]] against Google.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sánchez |first=Fabiola |date=2025-02-14 |title=Mexico says it might sue Google over 'Gulf of America' name change on Maps |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/mexico-might-sue-google-gulf-of-america-change-maps/3793671/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=[[NBC Bay Area]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Google subsequently disabled user reviews of the gulf after the name change occurred; BBC News reported that "Google appears to have deleted some negative reviews left in the wake of its name change."<ref>{{Cite web |last=McMahon |first=Liv |date=2025-02-13 |title=Google Maps blocks Gulf of America reviews after rename criticism |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlky380wd7o |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=February 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215013626/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlky380wd7o |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dellinger |first=A. J. |date=2025-02-13 |title=Google Maps Won't Let You Leave Negative Reviews on the Gulf of America |url=https://gizmodo.com/google-maps-wont-let-you-leave-negative-reviews-on-the-gulf-of-america-2000563649 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-US |archive-date=February 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215132007/https://gizmodo.com/google-maps-wont-let-you-leave-negative-reviews-on-the-gulf-of-america-2000563649 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2025, Sheinbaum said a lawsuit had been filed against Google for its continued use of "Gulf of America" on Google Maps.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mexico sues Google over changing Gulf of Mexico’s name for US users |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/09/mexico-google-lawsuit-gulf-of-mexico |access-date=10 May 2025 |work=The Guardian |agency=Agence France-Press |date=10 May 2025}}</ref>

In April 2025, an update was released for Google Maps that more explicitly displayed the "[[West Philippine Sea]]" label for parts of the [[South China Sea]] claimed by the [[Philippines]]. The decision was praised by Filipino officials<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maitem |first=Jeoffrey |date=2025-04-15 |title=Manila praises Google's move to put 'West Philippine Sea' on the map |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3306575/manila-says-googles-west-philippine-sea-label-shows-global-support-its-stance |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=[[South China Morning Post]] |language=en}}</ref> but criticized by the [[Chinese Foreign Ministry]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Taejun |date=2025-04-17 |title=Beijing, Manila at odds over Google Maps update on South China Sea |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/southchinasea/2025/04/17/south-chia-sea-west-philippines-google-maps/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=[[Radio Free Asia]] |language=en}}</ref> A Google spokesperson stated, "The West Philippine Sea has always been labeled on Google Maps. We recently made this label easier to see at additional zoom levels."<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCartney |first1=Micah |title=Beijing Responds to Google Label in South China Sea |url=https://www.newsweek.com/china-response-south-china-sea-west-philippine-sea-label-2060273 |access-date=22 April 2025 |work=Newsweek |date=17 April 2025}}</ref>

== Discontinued features ==
=== Google Latitude ===
{{Main|Google Latitude}}
Google Latitude was a feature that let users share their physical locations with other people. This service was based on Google Maps, specifically on mobile devices. There was an iGoogle widget for desktops and laptops as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/see-where-your-friends-are-with-google.html|title=See where your friends are with Google Latitude|date=February 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230053801/http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/see-where-your-friends-are-with-google.html|archive-date=December 30, 2009|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Some concerns were expressed about the privacy issues raised by the use of the service.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 5, 2009 |title=Privacy fears over Google tracker |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7872026.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217004702/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7872026.stm |archive-date=February 17, 2009 |access-date=February 16, 2009 |work=BBC News}}</ref> On August 9, 2013, this service was discontinued,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Salvador |date=2013-07-11 |title=Google Latitude joins long list of products axed by the Web giant |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-latitude-google-product-ax-20130711-story.html |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US |archive-date=October 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016222503/https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-latitude-google-product-ax-20130711-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and on March 22, 2017, Google incorporated the features from Latitude into the Google Maps app.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/22/google-maps-now-lets-you-share-your-location-with-friends-and-family-for-a-specific-period-of-time/amp|title=Google Maps will let you share your location with friends and family for a specific period of time|date=March 22, 2017 |publisher=techcrunch.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322164110/https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/22/google-maps-now-lets-you-share-your-location-with-friends-and-family-for-a-specific-period-of-time/amp/|archive-date=March 22, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=March 22, 2017}}</ref>

=== Google Map Maker ===
{{Main|Google Map Maker}}
In areas where Google Map Maker was available, for example, much of Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe as well as the United States and Canada, anyone who logged into their Google account could directly improve the map by fixing incorrect driving directions, adding biking trails, or adding a missing building or road. General map errors in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United States could be reported using the Report a Problem link in Google Maps and would be updated by Google.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/maps/answer/162873?&rd=1|title=Fix an error on Google Maps|publisher=Google Inc.|access-date=August 11, 2011|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022225715/https://support.google.com/maps/answer/3094088?rd=2&visit_id=637388647322042609-1708548032|url-status=live}}</ref> For areas where Google used [[Tele Atlas]] data, map errors could be reported using Tele Atlas map insight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapinsight.teleatlas.com/|title=Tele Atlas Map Insight map feedback|publisher=Tele Atlas|access-date=August 11, 2011|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112170524/https://tomtom.com/mapshare/tools/new/mapshare/|url-status=live}}</ref>

If imagery was missing, outdated, misaligned, or generally incorrect, one could notify Google through their contact request form.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/maps/answer/162873?rd=1|title=Google contact request form|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704104942/https://support.google.com/maps/answer/162873?rd=1|archive-date=July 4, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=October 4, 2014}}</ref>

In November 2016, Google announced the discontinuation of Google Map Maker as of March 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/map-maker/UEN0wxhj6Rs|title=Google Map Maker graduates to Google Maps|date=November 8, 2016|work=Google Map Maker forum|access-date=April 16, 2017|archive-date=December 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203081016/https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/map-maker/UEN0wxhj6Rs|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Mobile app ==
{{Infobox software
| name = Google Maps
| logo = Google Maps icon (2020).svg
| screenshot = Google Maps on Android.png
| screenshot_size = 200px
| logo size = 40px
| collapsible = yes
| caption = Screenshot of Google Maps on [[Android 14]]
| author = Google
| released = {{Start date and age|2006}}
| ver layout = stacked
| programming language = 
| operating system = {{hlist|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|[[KaiOS]] [[Wear OS]] [[WatchOS]] [[Web application|Web]] [[Fitbit|Fitbit OS]] }}<br/>Formerly: [[Java ME]], [[Symbian]], [[Windows Mobile]]
| platform = 
| size = 
| language = 
| genre = 
| license = 
| website = hide
}}

Google Maps is available as a [[mobile app]] for the [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] mobile operating systems. The first mobile version of Google Maps (then known as Google Local for Mobile) was launched in beta in November 2005 for mobile platforms supporting [[Java Platform, Micro Edition|J2ME]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=PhoneArena |date=2005-11-10 |title=Google local for Mobile announced |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-local-for-Mobile-announced_id741 |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=PhoneArena |language=en-US |archive-date=October 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005201252/https://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-local-for-Mobile-announced_id741 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gohring |first=Nancy |date=2005-11-07 |title=Google launches downloadable mobile application |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2808810/google-launches-downloadable-mobile-application.html |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=Computerworld |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005201251/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2808810/google-launches-downloadable-mobile-application.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-02-16 |title=Google Local for Mobile |url=http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/reviews/item/Google_Earth.php |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=All About Symbian |language=en |archive-date=June 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619153231/http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/reviews/item/Google_Earth.php |url-status=live }}</ref> It was released as Google Maps for Mobile in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-10-16 |title=Google Maps |url=http://www.google.com:80/gmm/index.html |access-date=2023-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016100649/http://www.google.com:80/gmm/index.html |archive-date=October 16, 2006 }}</ref> In 2007 it came preloaded on the [[IPhone (1st generation)|first iPhone]] in a deal with Apple.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=2012-09-29 |title=Steve Jobs added Google Maps to the original iPhone just weeks before unveiling |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/9/29/3428380/steve-jobs-apple-google-maps-original-iphone |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030004416/https://www.theverge.com/2012/9/29/3428380/steve-jobs-apple-google-maps-original-iphone |url-status=live }}</ref> A version specifically for [[Windows Mobile]] was released in February 2007<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-19 |title=Google Maps for now available on Windows Mobile devices |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-02-01-google-maps-for-now-available-on-windows-mobile-devices.html |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Engadget |language=en-US |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030184352/https://www.engadget.com/2007-02-01-google-maps-for-now-available-on-windows-mobile-devices.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Symbian]] app was released in November 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-10-12 |title=New native S60 Google Maps for Mobile with GPS support |url=http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/6077_New_Google_Maps_with_GPS_suppo.php |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=All About Symbian |language=en |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030004530/http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/6077_New_Google_Maps_with_GPS_suppo.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

Version 2.0 of Google Maps Mobile was announced at the end of 2007, with a stand out ''My Location'' feature to find the user's location using the cell towers, without needing [[Global Positioning System|GPS]].<ref>{{cite web |date=November 28, 2007 |title=Google Announces Launch of Google Maps for Mobile With "My Location" Technology |url=http://googlepress.blogspot.no/2007/11/google-announces-launch-of-google-maps_28.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426060108/http://googlepress.blogspot.no/2007/11/google-announces-launch-of-google-maps_28.html |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |access-date=April 25, 2017 |website=News from Google}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Marshall |first=Matt |date=November 28, 2007 |title=Google releases useful "my location" feature for cellphones |url=https://venturebeat.com/2007/11/28/google-releases-killer-my-location-feature-for-cellphones/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425205258/https://venturebeat.com/2007/11/28/google-releases-killer-my-location-feature-for-cellphones/ |archive-date=April 25, 2017 |access-date=April 25, 2017 |website=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Schonfeld |first=Erick |date=November 28, 2007 |title=Google Mobile Maps PinPoints Your Location Without GPS |url=https://techcrunch.com/2007/11/28/google-mobile-maps-pinpoints-your-location-without-gps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426055735/https://techcrunch.com/2007/11/28/google-mobile-maps-pinpoints-your-location-without-gps/ |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |access-date=April 25, 2017 |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref> In September 2008, Google Maps was released for and preloaded on Google's own new platform Android.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mac |last=Vanlerberghe |title=Google on Android |url=http://googlemobile.blogspot.se/2008/09/google-on-android.html |website=Google Mobile Blog |date=September 23, 2008 |access-date=April 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207194122/http://googlemobile.blogspot.se/2008/09/google-on-android.html |archive-date=December 7, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Erick |last=Tseng |title=The first Android-powered phone |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.se/2008/09/first-android-powered-phone.html |website=Official Google Blog |date=September 23, 2008 |access-date=April 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192639/https://googleblog.blogspot.se/2008/09/first-android-powered-phone.html |archive-date=December 7, 2017 }}</ref>

Up until [[iOS 6]], the built-in maps application on the [[iOS]] operating system was powered by Google Maps. However, with the announcement of iOS 6 in June 2012, [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] announced that they had created their own [[Apple Maps]] mapping service,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/11/apple-debuts-maps-app_n_1587726.html|title=Apple Maps App Officially Debuts, Google Maps Dropped (PHOTOS)|last=Gates|first=Sara|date=June 11, 2012|website=[[HuffPost]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807062355/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/apple-debuts-maps-app_n_1587726|url-status=live}}</ref> which officially replaced Google Maps when iOS 6 was released on September 19, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/technology/apple-ios-6-leaves-out-googles-maps.html|title=Apple's iPhone Update Leaves Out Google's Maps|last1=Chen|first1=Brian X.|last2=Wingfield|first2=Nick|date=September 19, 2012|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211042310/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/technology/apple-ios-6-leaves-out-googles-maps.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, at launch, Apple Maps received significant criticism from users due to inaccuracies, errors and [[Software bug|bugs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-19659736|title=New Apple maps app under fire from users|date=September 20, 2012|website=[[BBC]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=December 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204213342/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-19659736|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/9/20/3363914/wrong-turn-apple-ios-6-maps-phone-5-buggy-complaints|title=Wrong turn: Apple's buggy iOS 6 maps lead to widespread complaints|last=Patel|first=Nilay|date=September 20, 2012|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=December 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210202924/http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/20/3363914/wrong-turn-apple-ios-6-maps-phone-5-buggy-complaints|url-status=live}}</ref> One day later, ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported that Google was preparing its own Google Maps app,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/blog/2012/sep/20/apple-google-maps-headache|title=Apple's self-inflicted maps issue is a headache – but don't expect an apology|last=Arthur|first=Charles|date=September 20, 2012|website=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111200312/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/blog/2012/sep/20/apple-google-maps-headache|url-status=live}}</ref> which was released on December 12, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/12/12/take-that-apple-maps/|title=Google Launches Native Maps For iOS, And Here's The Deep Dive On Navigation, Info Sheets And More|last=Olanoff|first=Drew|date=December 12, 2012|website=[[TechCrunch]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112022002/https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=3_cc-session_776ef602-5bcf-4f92-8fc8-30b25317cc98|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/12/12/3760770/google-maps-iphone-available-features-navigation-transit|title=Google Maps for iPhone is here: how data and design beat Apple|last=Bohn|first=Dieter|date=December 12, 2012|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111214200/http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/12/3760770/google-maps-iphone-available-features-navigation-transit|url-status=live}}</ref> Within two days, the application had been downloaded over ten million times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2493972/web-apps/google-maps-snares-10m-downloads-on-ios-app-store.html|title=Google Maps snares 10M downloads on iOS App Store|last=Keizer|first=Gregg|date=December 18, 2012|website=[[Computerworld]]|publisher=[[International Data Group]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022094257/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2493972/google-maps-snares-10m-downloads-on-ios-app-store.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Features ===
The Google Maps apps for iOS and Android have many of the same features, including [[turn-by-turn navigation]], [[street view]], and public transit information.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-maps-returns-to-ios-as-an-app-after-apples-removal/|title=Google Maps returns to iOS as an app after Apple's removal|last=Musil|first=Steven|date=December 12, 2012|website=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112024547/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-maps-returns-to-ios-as-an-app-after-apples-removal/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rodriguez-2012">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-dec-13-la-fi-tn-google-maps-iphone-ipad-20121212-story.html|title=Google Maps returns to iPhone; iPad app coming soon|last=Rodriguez|first=Salvador|date=December 13, 2012|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=June 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629225643/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/13/business/la-fi-tn-google-maps-iphone-ipad-20121212|url-status=live}}</ref> Turn-by-turn navigation was originally announced by Google as a separate beta testing app exclusive to Android 2.0 devices in October 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/10/28/google-redefines-car-gps-navigation-google-maps-navigation-android/|title=Google Redefines GPS Navigation Landscape: Google Maps Navigation For Android 2.0|last=Arrington|first=Michael|author-link=Michael Arrington|date=October 28, 2009|website=[[TechCrunch]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022003344/https://techcrunch.com/2009/10/28/google-redefines-car-gps-navigation-google-maps-navigation-android/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2009/10/28/googles-turn-by-turn-navigation/|title=Google Maps Navigation Becomes Reality on Android|last=Schroeder|first=Stan|date=October 28, 2009|website=[[Mashable]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025508/https://mashable.com/2009/10/28/googles-turn-by-turn-navigation/?europe=true|url-status=live}}</ref> The original standalone iOS version did not support the [[iPad]],<ref name="Rodriguez-2012" /> but tablet support was added with version 2.0 in July 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/07/16/google-maps-2-for-ios/|title=Google Maps 2.0 for iOS starts rolling out with iPad support, indoor maps (update: offline maps too)|last=Fingas|first=Jon|date=July 16, 2013|website=[[Engadget]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=October 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023033859/https://www.engadget.com/2013-07-16-google-maps-2-for-ios.html|url-status=live}}</ref> An update in June 2012 for Android devices added support for offline access to downloaded maps of certain regions,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/27/3121538/google-maps-offline-caching-app-update|title=Google Maps for Android now supports saving maps for offline use|last=Ingraham|first=Nathan|date=June 27, 2012|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111203436/https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/27/3121538/google-maps-offline-caching-app-update|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/google-maps-offline-android/|title=Google Maps offline for Android is available today in version 6.9, also Compass Mode for Street View|last=Lawler|first=Richard|date=June 27, 2012|website=[[Engadget]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025440/https://www.engadget.com/2012-06-27-google-maps-offline-android.html|url-status=live}}</ref> a feature that was eventually released for iOS devices, and made more robust on Android, in May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/5/6/5687454/google-maps-app-update-offline-support-lane-guidance-uber|title=Google Maps for iOS and Android add offline support, lane guidance, and Uber integration|last=Kastrenakes|first=Jacob|date=May 6, 2014|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111191123/http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/6/5687454/google-maps-app-update-offline-support-lane-guidance-uber|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://bgr.com/2014/05/06/google-maps-update-new-features/|title=Google Maps just got a huge update – here are the 5 best new features|last=Siegal|first=Jacob|date=May 6, 2014|website=[[Boy Genius Report|BGR]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108090525/https://bgr.com/2014/05/06/google-maps-update-new-features/|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the end of 2015 Google Maps announced its new offline functionality,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.govtech.com/applications/Google-Maps-Now-Available-Offline.html|title=Google Maps Now Available Offline|website=Government Technology |agency=Los Angeles Times |first1=David |last1=Pierson |date=November 11, 2015|access-date=November 19, 2016|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030201239/https://www.govtech.com/applications/Google-Maps-Now-Available-Offline.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but with various limitations – downloaded area cannot exceed 120,000 square kilometers<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform=iOS&hl=en|title=Download areas and navigate offline – iPhone & iPad |website=Google Maps Help |access-date=November 19, 2016|archive-date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219051321/https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform=iOS&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/google-maps-offline-areas-mode-a6832891.html|title=How to use Google Maps on your smartphone when you don't have a connection |first1=Doug |last1=Bolton |date=25 January 2016 |work=The Independent|access-date=June 29, 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022101459/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/google-maps-offline-areas-mode-a6832891.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and require a considerable amount of storage space.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.androidpit.com/use-your-google-maps-offline|title=How to use Google Maps offline |first1=David |last1=McCourt |date=May 30, 2019 |newspaper=AndroidPIT|access-date=November 19, 2016|archive-date=October 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023201617/https://www.nextpit.com/use-your-google-maps-offline|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2017, Google added a feature exclusively to Android that will, in some U.S. cities, indicate the level of difficulty in finding available parking spots,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/26/14400604/google-maps-parking-feature-how-hard-to-park|title=Google Maps now tells you how hard it is to park in some cities|last=Welch|first=Chris|date=January 26, 2017|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003638/https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/26/14400604/google-maps-parking-feature-how-hard-to-park|url-status=live}}</ref> and on both Android and iOS, the app can, as of an April 2017 update, remember where users parked.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/26/how-to-find-where-you-parked-with-google-maps.html|title=How to use a new Google Maps feature to help you find your parked car|last=Haselton|first=Todd|date=April 26, 2017|website=[[CNBC]]|publisher=[[NBCUniversal News Group]]|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111204055/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/26/how-to-find-where-you-parked-with-google-maps.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/26/google-maps-for-ios-and-android-now-helps-you-remember-where-you-parked-your-car/|title=Google Maps now makes it easier to remember where you parked your car|last=Sawers|first=Paul|date=April 26, 2017|website=[[VentureBeat]]|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111182605/https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/26/google-maps-for-ios-and-android-now-helps-you-remember-where-you-parked-your-car/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2017, Google Maps for Android was updated with new functionality to actively help the user in finding parking lots and garages close to a destination.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/29/16219704/google-maps-parking-find-lots-garages-update-android|title=Google Maps will now help you find parking|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|date=August 29, 2017|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111182459/https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/29/16219704/google-maps-parking-find-lots-garages-update-android|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2017, Google added a new two-wheeler mode to its Android app, designed for users in India, allowing for more accessibility in traffic conditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2017/12/05/google-maps-new-two-wheeler-mode-shows-faster-routes-for-zipping-through-traffic-on-your-bike/|title=Google Maps' new two-wheeler mode shows faster routes for beating traffic on your bike|last=Ghoshal|first=Abhimanyu|date=December 5, 2017|website=The Next Web|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207150616/https://thenextweb.com/apps/2017/12/05/google-maps-new-two-wheeler-mode-shows-faster-routes-for-zipping-through-traffic-on-your-bike/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.androidcentral.com/google-maps-gets-dedicated-two-wheeler-mode-india|title=Google Maps gets a dedicated two-wheeler mode in India|last=Jonnalagadda|first=Harish|date=December 5, 2017|website=Android Central|publisher=Mobile Nations|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192321/https://www.androidcentral.com/google-maps-gets-dedicated-two-wheeler-mode-india|archive-date=December 7, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2019 the Android version introduced the new feature called live view that allows to view directions directly on the road thanks to [[augmented reality]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/google-maps-ar-directions-released-for-iphones-and-android.html|title=Google Maps AR directions released|date=February 21, 2020|website=CNBC|access-date=February 21, 2020}}{{dead link|date=August 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Google Maps won the 2020 Webby Award for Best User Interface in the category Apps, Mobile & Voice.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kastrenakes |first1=Jacob |title=Here are all the winners of the 2020 Webby Awards |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/20/21263445/2020-webby-awards-winners-lil-nas-x-nasa-jon-krasinski |website=The Verge |access-date=22 May 2020 |language=en |date=20 May 2020 |archive-date=May 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521205535/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/20/21263445/2020-webby-awards-winners-lil-nas-x-nasa-jon-krasinski |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2021, Google added a feature in which users can draw missing roads.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-11|title=Google Maps update will let you draw in missing roads|url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/google-maps-update-will-let-you-draw-in-missing-roads-4127324|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Trusted Reviews|language=en|archive-date=March 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331230257/https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/google-maps-update-will-let-you-draw-in-missing-roads-4127324|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2022, Google implemented support for toll calculation. Both iOS and Android apps report how much the user has to pay in tolls when a route that includes toll roads is input. The feature is available for roads in the US, India, Japan and Indonesia with further expansion planned. As per reports the total number of toll roads covered in this phase is around 2000.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mehta |first1=Ivan |title=Google Maps will now show you info about toll pricing on your route |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/14/google-maps-will-now-show-you-info-about-toll-pricing-on-your-route/ |website=TechCrunch |date=14 June 2022 |access-date=14 June 2022 |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614092433/https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/14/google-maps-will-now-show-you-info-about-toll-pricing-on-your-route/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Reception ===
''[[USA Today]]'' welcomed the application back to iOS, saying: "The reemergence in the middle of the night of a Google Maps app for the iPhone is like the return of an old friend. Only your friend, who'd gone missing for three months, comes back looking better than ever."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2012/12/13/baig-quick-spin-google-maps-for-iphone/1767081/|title=Baig: Google Maps app – welcome return of an old friend|date=December 13, 2012|website=[[USA Today]]|publisher=[[Gannett Company]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125025215/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2012/12/13/baig-quick-spin-google-maps-for-iphone/1767081/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jason Parker of ''[[CNET]]'', calling it "the king of maps", said, "With its iOS Maps app, Google sets the standard for what mobile navigation should be and more."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/products/google-maps-ios/review/|title=Google Maps for iOS review|last=Parker|first=Jason|date=November 6, 2014|website=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022181540/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/google-maps-ios-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bree Fowler of the [[Associated Press]] compared Google's and Apple's map applications, saying: "The one clear advantage that Apple has is style. Like Apple devices, the maps are clean and clear and have a fun, pretty element to them, especially in 3-D. But when it comes down to depth and information, Google still reigns superior and will no doubt be welcomed back by its fans."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/tech/app-review-google-maps-on-ios-is-back-with-a-bang-559232.html|title=App review: Google Maps on iOS is back with a bang|last=Fowler|first=Bree|date=December 16, 2012|website=FirstPost|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=October 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009131750/https://www.firstpost.com/tech/app-review-google-maps-on-ios-is-back-with-a-bang-559232.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Gizmodo]]'' gave it a ranking of 4.5 stars, stating: "Maps Done Right".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/5968150/google-maps-for-ios-review-maps-done-right|title=Google Maps for iOS Review: Maps Done Right|last=Diaz|first=Jesus|date=December 13, 2012|website=[[Gizmodo]]|publisher=[[Univision Communications]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024215852/https://gizmodo.com/google-maps-for-ios-review-maps-done-right-5968150|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''[[The New York Times]]'', Google "admits that it's [iOS app is] even better than Google Maps for Android phones, which has accommodated its evolving feature set mainly by piling on menus".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/13/technology/personaltech/google-maps-app-for-iphone-goes-in-the-right-direction-review.html|title=Maps App for iPhone Steers Right|last=Pogue|first=David|author-link=David Pogue|date=December 12, 2012|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023812/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/13/technology/personaltech/google-maps-app-for-iphone-goes-in-the-right-direction-review.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Google Maps' [[Geolocation|location tracking]] is regarded by some as a threat to users' privacy, with Dylan Tweney of ''[[VentureBeat]]'' writing in August 2014 that "Google is probably logging your location, step by step, via Google Maps", and linked users to Google's location history map, which "lets you see the path you've traced for any given day that your smartphone has been running Google Maps". Tweney then provided instructions on how to disable location history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/08/17/yes-google-maps-is-tracking-you-heres-how-to-stop-it/|title=Yes, Google Maps is tracking you. Here's how to stop it|last=Tweney|first=Dylan|date=August 17, 2014|website=[[VentureBeat]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002161502/https://venturebeat.com/2014/08/17/yes-google-maps-is-tracking-you-heres-how-to-stop-it/|url-status=live}}</ref> The history tracking was also noticed, and recommended disabled, by editors at ''CNET''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-delete-and-disable-your-google-location-history/|title=Is Google is tracking you? Find out here|last=Elliott|first=Matt|date=April 20, 2017|website=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=April 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429022734/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-delete-and-disable-your-google-location-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[TechCrunch]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/12/18/google-location-history/|title=Google's Location History Browser Is A Minute-By-Minute Map Of Your Life|last=Kumparak|first=Greg|date=December 18, 2013|website=[[TechCrunch]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=May 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511121232/https://techcrunch.com/2013/12/18/google-location-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, ''[[Quartz (publication)|Quartz]]'' reported in April 2014 that a "sneaky new privacy change" would have an effect on the majority of iOS users. The privacy change, an update to the [[Gmail]] iOS app that "now supports sign-in across Google iOS apps, including Maps, [[Google Drive|Drive]], YouTube and [[Google Chrome|Chrome]]", meant that Google would be able to identify users' actions across its different apps.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/194032/googles-sneaky-new-privacy-change-affects-85-of-iphone-users-but-most-of-them-wont-have-noticed/|title=Google's sneaky new privacy change affects 85% of iPhone users—but most of them won't have noticed|last=Mirani|first=Leo|date=April 3, 2014|website=[[Quartz (publication)|Quartz]]|publisher=[[Atlantic Media]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=August 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810070208/https://qz.com/194032/googles-sneaky-new-privacy-change-affects-85-of-iphone-users-but-most-of-them-wont-have-noticed/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Android version of the app surpassed five billion installations in March 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/03/09/google-maps-hits-5-billion-downloads-on-the-play-store-does-it-after-youtube-but-before-the-google-app/|title=Google Maps hits 5 billion downloads on the Play Store, does it after YouTube but before the Google app|last=El Khoury|first=Rita|date=2019-03-09|website=Android Police|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008062938/https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/03/09/google-maps-hits-5-billion-downloads-on-the-play-store-does-it-after-youtube-but-before-the-google-app/|archive-date=2019-10-08|access-date=2019-10-26}}</ref> By November 2021, the Android app had surpassed 10 billion installations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-04|title=Google Maps navigates its way to 10 billion installs|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-maps-navigates-its-way-to-10-billion-installs/|access-date=2022-01-25|website=Android Police|language=en-US|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125175226/https://www.androidpolice.com/google-maps-navigates-its-way-to-10-billion-installs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Go version ===
Google Maps Go, a version of the app designed for [[Android Go|lower-end devices]], was released in beta in January 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/01/16/google-maps-go-shows-play-store-go-phones-can-give-try-anyway/|title=[Update: APK Download] Google Maps Go shows up on the Play Store for Go phones, but you can give it a try anyway|last=El Khoury|first=Rita|date=2018-01-17|website=Android Police|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603021948/https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/01/16/google-maps-go-shows-play-store-go-phones-can-give-try-anyway/|archive-date=2018-06-03|access-date=2019-10-26}}</ref> By September 2018, the app had over 10 million installations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/09/26/google-go-hits-10-million-installs-play-store-indicator-android-gos-success/|title=[Update: Maps Go too] Google Go hits 10 million installs on Play Store – an indicator of Android Go's success?|last=Hager|first=Ryne|date=2018-09-26|website=Android Police|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926231539/https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/09/26/google-go-hits-10-million-installs-play-store-indicator-android-gos-success/|archive-date=2019-09-26|access-date=2019-10-26}}</ref>

== Artistic and literary uses ==
The German "geo-novel" ''[[Senghor on the Rocks]]'' (2008) presents its story as a series of spreads showing a Google Maps location on the left and the story's text on the right. Annika Richterich explains that the "satellite pictures in ''Senghor on the Rocks'' illustrate the main character's travel through the West-African state of [[Senegal]]".<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Richterich |first=Annika |date=November 2011 |title=Cartographies of Digital Fiction: Amateurs Mapping a New Literary Realism |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1179/1743277411Y.0000000021 |journal=The Cartographic Journal |language=en |volume=48 |issue=4 |pages=237–249 |doi=10.1179/1743277411Y.0000000021 |bibcode=2011CartJ..48..237R |s2cid=131524536 |issn=0008-7041 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020185038/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1179/1743277411Y.0000000021 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Artists have used Google Street View in a range of ways. [[Emilio Vavarella|Emilio Vavarella's]] ''The Google Trilogy'' includes glitchy images and unintended portraits of the drivers of the Street View cars.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-04-18 |title=THE GOOGLE TRILOGY - E M I L I O V A V A R E L L A |url=https://emiliovavarella.com/google-trilogy/ |access-date=2022-10-16 |language=en |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016170850/https://emiliovavarella.com/google-trilogy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Japanese band [[group inou|''group_inou'']] used Google Street View backgrounds to make a music video for their song EYE.<ref>{{Cite web |last=group_inou |date=2016-04-14 |title=EYE (music video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSFeje8-4Vc |website=YouTube |access-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016170849/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSFeje8-4Vc |url-status=live }}</ref> The Canadian band [[Arcade Fire]] made a customized music video that used Street View to show the viewer their own childhood home.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Arcade Fire |last2=Milk |first2=Chris |date=2011 |title=The Wilderness Downtown |url=http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/ |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=The Wilderness Downtown |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016170848/http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arcade Fire |date=2011 |title=Video documentation of Wilderness Within video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80723A_lqsA |website=YouTube |access-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016170847/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80723A_lqsA |url-status=live }}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Internet}}
* [[Azure Maps]]
* [[Apple Maps]]
* [[Bing Maps]]
* [[Comparison of web map services]]
* [[GeoGuessr]]
* [[Google Earth]]
* ''[[Google Maps Road Trip]]'', live-streaming documentary
* [[Here WeGo]]
* [[MapQuest]]
* [[OpenStreetMap]]
* [[Terravision (computer program)]]
* [[Wikiloc]], a mashup that shows trails and waypoints on Google Maps
* [[Wikimapia]], a mashup combining Google Maps and a [[wiki]] aimed at "describing the whole planet earth"
* [[Yandex Maps]], popular in Russia and [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
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* {{official website|https://www.google.com/maps}}
** [https://blog.google/products/maps/ Official Google Maps blog]
** [https://www.google.com/maps/about/ About Google Maps]
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[[Category:Web Map Services]]<!-- Does Google Maps really use WMS? -->
[[Category:Web mapping]]
[[Category:Windows Mobile Standard software]]
[[Category:Google software|Maps]]
[[Category:Australian inventions]]