How Google Generative AI Enhances Google Maps Search Feature
Tags: google, generativeai, googlemap, aitool
Published: 2024-02-03 09:03:40

Google Maps is more than just a navigation tool. It’s also a powerful search engine that can help you discover new places to visit, eat, shop, and more. And now, it’s getting even smarter with the help of Google Generative AI, a cutting-edge technology that can produce fresh content from existing data.

## What is Google Generative AI?

Generative AI is a fascinating field of artificial intelligence that can create new content or data by drawing inspiration from pre-existing information. For example, Google Generative AI can effortlessly craft written text, conjure up captivating images, compose soul-stirring melodies, and so much more. It’s truly awe-inspiring to witness the creative prowess of this technology!

Google Generative AI research and development has created some of the most advanced large language models (LLMs) in the world. LLMs are AI systems that can understand and generate natural language, such as sentences, paragraphs, or even entire articles.

## How does Google Generative AI work in Google Maps?

Google Maps is using Google Generative AI to enhance its search feature and provide better recommendations for users. The feature will use LLMs to analyze Maps’ detailed information about more than 250 million places and trusted insights from our community of over 300 million contributors to quickly make suggestions for where to go.

For example, if you’re visiting San Francisco and want to find some unique vintage shops, you can simply ask Maps something like “places with a vintage vibe in SF”. The Google Generative AI feature will then use LLMs to scan the available data and generate a list of relevant and trustworthy suggestions, along with photos, ratings, and reviews from the Maps community.

The feature will also be able to handle more complex or specific queries, such as “best vegan restaurants near me” or “fun activities for kids in London”. The Google Generative AI feature will use LLMs to understand the intent and context of the query and provide personalized and accurate recommendations.

## When and where will the Google Generative AI feature be available?

The Google Generative AI feature will first become available in the US, but Google plans to expand it to other countries in the future. However, the feature will not be accessible to everyone at first. Google is taking a cautious approach with its initial integration, starting small and working closely with the dedicated community of Local Guides contributors. The aim is to ensure that the implementation of Google Generative AI is done in a thoughtful and collaborative manner.

Local Guides are a global community of explorers who write reviews, share photos, answer questions, add or edit places, and check facts on Google Maps. They help improve the quality and accuracy of the information on Maps and also provide valuable feedback and suggestions to Google.

Only these contributors will initially have access to the Google Generative AI feature in Google Maps, and they will be able to test it and provide feedback to Google. In the near future, the company plans to extend access to other users at a later point in time.

## What are the benefits of the Google Generative AI feature?

The Google Generative AI feature will offer several benefits to Google Maps users, such as:

Saving time and effort: Instead of browsing through endless lists of places or typing long queries, users can simply ask Maps what they’re looking for and get instant and relevant suggestions.
Discovering new places: The Google Generative AI feature will help users find places that they might not have known about or considered before, based on their preferences and interests.
Getting personalized recommendations: The Google Generative AI feature will use LLMs to understand the user’s query and context and provide recommendations that are tailored to their needs and desires.
Having a better experience: The Google Generative AI feature will use the rich information and insights from the Maps community to provide trustworthy and reliable suggestions, along with photos, and ratings, and empower yourself with insightful reviews to make well-informed choices that truly matter.
The Google Generative AI feature is a natural place for Google to flex its AI muscles, as the company has been laboring for years to turn its flagship navigation product into a nifty tool to uncover exciting new destinations. Look no further! We’ve got just the thing – a search tool that’s designed to help you discover amazing places like never before. Using its expertise in Google Generative AI to accelerate that transition seems like a logical next step and one that will benefit both Google and its users.