• Google Maps introduces a generative AI feature leveraging large language models to analyze 250 million locations and inputs from 300 million Local Guides.
  • This feature aims to provide tailored suggestions in a conversational manner, enhancing the user experience. I
  • nitially available in the U.S. for select Local Guides, the feature will extend to other users, marking a step in Google Maps’ evolution towards a platform for discovering new places.

Google Maps is launching a new generative AI feature to assist in discovering new places, as announced by the company.

Utilising large language models (LLMs), this innovative feature scrutinises over 250 million locations on Google Maps and incorporates insights from over 300 million Local Guides. It provides tailored suggestions based on specific user preferences. For instance, if you are in search of trendy thrift shops in San Francisco, you can input a query like “places with a vintage vibe in SF,” and Maps will generate organised shopping recommendations along with “photo carousels and review summaries.” The intention behind this feature is to offer a more conversational experience compared to traditional searches. If you follow up with a question like “How about lunch?” the AI will consider your prior interest in vintage and recommend restaurants that align with that criterion, perhaps an old-school diner.

According to the company, this feature is designed to generate recommendations for even the most niche or specific queries.

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The new feature will start at Local Guides

This early access experiment is set to roll out in the U.S. this week, initially available to select Local Guides. Local Guides are members of Google’s community who contribute reviews, facts, and photos on Maps to provide other users with detailed information about various locations. The feature will be extended to other users in the near future, although the company has not specified which countries will receive the feature.

In October, Google made updates to Maps, aiming to transform it into more of a search tool. These updates included various AI-powered features such as photo results and the capability to suggest specific places when users input vague queries like “things to do.” The new generative AI feature is seen as the next step in Maps’ evolution, emphasising its role as a platform for discovering new places rather than merely serving navigation purposes.

Google expressed that this marks just the initial phase of enhancing Maps with generative AI in a blog post today.