Google Maps in numbers:
- 1 billion – that’s how many kilometers of routes Google Maps provided in 2024. For comparison: that’s as far as a thousand trips around the sun.
- 250 million – the number of locations and businesses on the map. If you visited one location every hour without sleeping, it would take more than 28,500 years to complete this list.
- 500 million – the number of people who contribute information annually, such as reviews, photos, and traffic disruptions. That’s more contributing users than stars in the Milky Way.
- 100 million – the number of updates added to the map daily. That means the map was updated 10,000 times in the time it took to read this sentence.
In honor of 20 years of Google Maps, Google is sharing some handy features – including hidden gems you may not know about:
1. Ask Maps for inspiration using Gemini
Need ideas for an outing but short on time? Ask Maps for 'cozy winter activities in Utrecht' or 'interactive date nights in Rotterdam' to get inspired. With Gemini, useful results are compiled based on reliable data from Maps. You can also ask questions about a location, such as what the dress code is or if there is parking available.
2. Explore an area with augmented reality
It can sometimes be tricky to find your way when you get off at an unfamiliar bus stop or are in a new neighborhood. With Lens in Maps, you tap the camera icon in the search bar and hold your phone up so augmented reality immediately shows useful information, such as the name of a place, how busy it is, and whether it has good ratings. You can even use it to translate the names of places into other languages, making exploring a new area even easier.
3. Don’t get lost – even without internet
Exploring a new city abroad or in a place with poor reception? No worries! With Google Maps, you can navigate offline. Search for an area and tap on the name or address. Then tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the information panel and select 'Download offline map'. This way, you have access to routes and important details even without an internet connection. Ideal for traveling and adventures off the beaten path!
4. Say goodbye to flight stress via the 'Interesting Places' tab
Finding your way at an unfamiliar airport isn’t always easy, but Google Maps can help. The next time you fly, search for the airport and tap on 'Interesting Places'. You’ll immediately see what’s available, including restaurants, shops, lounges, parking, car rentals, and more.
5. Travel back in time with Street View
You can see loved ones again or check out the house you grew up in: Open Google Maps and turn on the Street View layer. Search for your home address, tap on 'See more dates', and scroll through the images to see how your neighborhood has changed over time!
6. Reserve restaurants via Maps
No more stressful phone calls or last-minute reservations: Google Maps helps you easily secure a table at your favorite restaurant. Search for the restaurant, and if it partners with a booking partner, you can directly make your reservation via 'Reserve a table'.
7. Plan group outings using lists
With lists in the Google Maps app, you can easily save and share places you want to visit. When planning a trip with friends, you can create a shared list where everyone can add locations and vote with an emoji (for example, a if you want to try a place or a if you prefer something else). This way, you quickly choose the perfect location for your next group outing together.
8. Preview locations and routes with AI
With Immersive View, you can experience what stadiums, parks, and routes look like and even see what the weather and traffic will be like, so you’re well-prepared for your journey. If you’re traveling by car, you can also check where the nearest parking spots are and if there are sharp turns on your route. Being well-prepared never hurts!
9. Send your route from your phone to your car
In a hurry? Plan your route on your phone and send it directly to your car if it has Google built in. This saves you time and you don’t have to enter the address again.
10. Check air quality
Going outside for a walk or a run? Google Maps uses a comprehensive model to show very accurate information about air quality. Just tap on the layers icon and select "Air Quality" to view a color-coded map with current air quality levels.
11. Avoid the crowds
Handy to know how busy a place is before you arrive, so you can avoid long lines and save time. Search for a location and scroll to 'Popular Times' – there you’ll see a graph of usual busyness and even a live update of how busy it is right now.
12. Always insight into accessibility
Enable 'Accessible Places' in the settings and see immediately if a location has wheelchair-friendly entrances, seating, restrooms, and parking. People with visual impairments can also receive detailed voice navigation, including alerts for routes, turns, and intersections nearby.
