Google Maps is integrated into our everyday lives and helps us navigate from point A to point B.

Constantly looking for ways to improve, Google acknowledged that the familiar blue dot and line overlaid in Google Maps has left some users lost or confused about the corner they were meant to turn or has simply left users in the wrong location.

To combat this confusion in the user journey, Google announced the addition of augmented reality into public facing Google Maps at their 2018 I/O conference.

In February 2019, Google announced that they are rolling out the latest version of the Maps and augmented reality integration to a select number of local guides for testing across both Android and iOS.

How does it work?

The AR Visual Positioning System has combined Street View information, Directions API and Places points of interest information overlaid on top of an actual reality as seen through your phone’s camera.

This functionality has reinvented traditional walking navigation and also provides information about businesses and places around the user.

How is it personalised for individual users?

The extensive points of interest intelligence Google has means that they can provide recommendations to users in their augmented reality Maps experience.

Google has announced a ‘For You’ tab that provides users with personalised recommendations of local businesses and attractions nearby their current location.

This personalised experience has been created through Google Cloud Machine Learning capabilities and is based on your previous search history and reviews.

How can I learn more about Google Cloud’s cool features?

As a Google Cloud partner NGIS is finding new ways to leverage and integrate Google Cloud functionality with Google Maps.

Get in touch with our Google team at NGIS to discuss your Cloud and Maps related projects.