Google integrates Gemini AI across Maps, Earth, and Waze platforms

Google's rolling out major generative AI upgrades across its mapping services, infusing Gemini AI into Google Maps, Earth, and Waze to revolutionize geospatial problem-solving and user interactions.

Their Maps Platform, which over 10 million websites and apps use, now features something called "grounding with Google Maps." This lets developers tap into real-time location data for AI-driven experiences. By pulling updates from Maps' huge database of 250 million places, large language models can give more accurate answers.

Rivian's getting in on this technology, too. Starting next month, they're planning to bring Gemini-powered Places API features into their car infotainment systems. So, when you're driving, you'll get AI-generated summaries of nearby spots like restaurants, shops, and grocery stores, enhancing your in-car experience.

Over on Google Earth, they're teaming up with Google Research and X to weave in Gemini. This means advanced analytical tools for urban planning are on the way. The system can handle complex spatial questions and whip up custom visuals, cutting down analysis time from days to just minutes. So, if you're a transportation planner, you can use this to figure out where to put new electric vehicle charging stations based on where they're needed most.

For U.S. users of Google Maps on Android and iOS, Gemini AI now powers a smarter search with contextual results. It cross-references data from Maps' database and user reviews to improve accuracy, as explained by Chris Phillips, VP and General Manager of Geo at Google.

They've also added some neat features like better route exploration with landmark suggestions, info on parking availability at the end of your route, and more details for walking navigation. Plus, they've expanded their immersive view to over 150 cities worldwide, with improved lane information coming next month.

Waze isn't left out, either. They're adding AI-enhanced natural language processing for incident reporting, so you can just talk about road conditions instead of picking icons manually. And later this year, the app will start giving school zone alerts for both iOS and Android users.