Google Maps is celebrating its 20th anniversary by expanding its mapping capabilities to include three more countries and incorporating AI technology.

Larry Page, a co-founder of Google, had an idea two decades ago that would revolutionize how we navigate the world.

Maria Biggs, technical program manager at Google Street View, stated, "Larry drove down some of these streets with a video camera and handed it to someone, saying, 'Hey, what can you do with this?'"

Biggs rode CNBC near Google's Silicon Valley headquarters in a car with a 2022 Street View camera, which is the first model that can be added onto any car.

"We're going to Hawaii with these next-generation camera systems because we don't need to ship the entire car," Biggs stated. "Instead, we can simply package the camera system and ship it, then rent the car when we arrive."

For the first time in a decade, Google will update data on certain locations thanks to new technology, according to Biggs.

"We will effortlessly relocate these cameras and enhance the vibrancy of our maps," she stated.

Google Maps, with over 2 billion monthly users, is the world's top navigation app. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary in February, Google is working to maintain its lead with the help of new cameras and generative artificial intelligence.

Google is updating its maps in dozens of countries with the help of nimble cameras. Additionally, it is mapping at least three new countries - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Namibia, and Liechtenstein. Street View cameras play a significant role in gathering data for Maps, but Google also uses satellite and aerial images, as well as information from over 1,000 third-party sources. This mass data collection system enables Google to offer maps in more than 250 countries and territories.

AI enhancements

In October, Google introduced Maps with Gemini, its AI chatbot that can help users find specific places based on their preferences. Gemini can analyze thousands of reviews and provide real-time updates on road disruptions and weather conditions.

Public transit now provides delay reports, alternate routes, and subway entrance locations. At the destination, Maps can suggest parking and provide walking directions.

In 2013, Google bought Waze for $1.3 billion, and now Gemini is integrating voice-activated reports into the app. This data is then transferred to Google Maps to provide real-time alerts to drivers about potential hazards on both apps.

"Chris Phillips, vice president and general manager of Google Geo, stated that their products are assisting individuals in navigating more confidently and safely. Additionally, Waze is enhancing road safety by informing drivers of past issues on specific streets, resulting in a noticeable modification in driving behaviors."

Waze is also known for offering alternate routes.

"Phillips stated that we would provide more daring maneuvers to overcome traffic and navigate effectively."

In some neighborhoods, small roads are not well-equipped to handle many cars due to the increased traffic caused by alternate routes.

Google only uses public roads and follows local authority guidelines for specific streets, as stated by Phillips.

"James Hodgson, who covers automotive for ABI Research, stated that the use of navigation apps, whether embedded or on smartphone devices, is almost universal. However, Hodgson pointed out that the technology is currently targeted on a user-by-user basis, which can be inefficient. To improve efficiency, he suggested that a broader, almost fleet-level view is needed."

Hodgson stated that a significant "perception barrier" that Google has encountered is related to data privacy.

On Google Maps, users can request blurring of identifying information like faces and license plates on Street View to prevent potential risks such as thieves analyzing their property.

Google now stores location history on devices instead of in the cloud, making it harder for authorities to access it.

Making a profit

The revenue and spending of Google Maps are kept secret by its parent company, Alphabet, which does not disclose this information in its earnings reports. One of the few estimates available comes from a 2019 Morgan Stanley report, which predicts that Maps' revenue will increase from $2.95 billion in 2019 to $11 billion in 2023.

Google's revenue primarily comes from its expertise in advertising.

"Phillips stated that their primary focus is to provide the most accurate result to individuals searching for a restaurant or location. Merchants can pay for advertising to ensure their place appears in the search results."

Google generates revenue by offering a software interface with precise data on solar potential for over 480 million buildings in 40 countries.

Google's Maps Platform is utilized by companies such as Wayfair and Dominos to provide access to their mapping technology. This platform has been used by developers to create over 10 million websites and apps for various purposes, including food delivery, ridesharing, and real estate. In 2019, Wayfair reported paying Google $58 million for its mapping technology over the previous three years.

The infotainment systems in many cars from Volvo, Honda, GM, and Ford are powered by Google's Android Automotive operating system, which also generates revenue through the use of Maps.

With the growing popularity of robotaxis, precise mapping presents a significant opportunity for Google.

In 2024, Waymo, an Alphabet-owned company, dominated the U.S. robotaxi market. Passengers in Phoenix can hail one of Waymo's fully autonomous cars directly from the Google Maps app. Robotaxis also present the potential for a virtuous cycle.

"Hodgson stated that Waymo's ambition is to use the same vehicles that benefit from the map to also contribute to its creation, which is a common goal among autonomous vehicle platform providers. This is the future direction of mapping for autonomous driving."

Watch the video learn more.