Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the largest and most accessible online mapping services globally, offered for free.

This product, like the Google search engine, is a part of Alphabet Inc. and provides numerous services. It allows users to pinpoint their location and offers navigation options. Google Maps can help users find routes from point A to point B, with choices for walking, cycling, public transport, or driving.

Functions of Google Maps

Google Maps can determine a user's location using either GPS data from smartphones or mobile network towers, with GPS providing more accurate positioning.

• Location determination: Smartphone users can use Google Maps to identify their current location, typically requiring an internet connection.
• Route planner: Google Maps can display multiple routes using various data sources. It offers routes for walking, cycling, driving, public transport, and flights. Public transport and airline data are provided through a special API from service providers.
• Search for shops, restaurants, or companies: The map functions like a Google search but focuses on specific locations and areas.
• Rating of places: Registered users can review places, restaurants, or businesses on Google Maps.
• Integration into Google search results: When Google Maps data is included in search results, users receive information like opening hours and visitor frequency. Other user ratings are also shown.
• Google Earth: This software is available for free as an app or PC program, functioning like a digital globe that allows users to zoom in from a global view to local stores.
• Google Street View: Users can explore areas virtually before visiting, thanks to Google's camera cars, which capture 360-degree images in cities worldwide.
• Offline maps: The app allows offline use of maps by downloading the desired area in advance.
• App for Android and iOS: Google Maps is most commonly accessed via its smartphone app.

Development of Google Maps

Google's online map launched in 2005, initially using satellite data from commercial providers. Users can still switch between map, satellite, or hybrid views today. A year after launch, Germany was mapped online.

Further development stages:

• 2007: Users could create and print custom routes and use the tool for location determination. Public transport data was integrated, showing routes with departure and arrival times in selected cities. This feature is now available globally.
• 2008: Real-time traffic data was added, allowing high-traffic areas to be highlighted on maps.
• 2009: Turn-by-turn navigation was introduced, making Google Maps a full-featured, online navigation system.
• 2010: Street View launched, allowing users to view city streets and buildings online, enabling virtual travel worldwide.
• 2011: "Google Indoor" began, mapping interiors of museums and public places for user navigation.
• 2012: The Google Maps app became available for iOS devices. Google also started 360-degree camera journeys, capturing places like Mount Everest and Venice.
• 2013: Google acquired the Waze map service.
• 2014: Alphabet Inc. purchased Skybox Imaging, a satellite service capturing Earth imagery.
• 2016: Offline use of Google Maps was enhanced, allowing navigation abroad without roaming charges, requiring sufficient mobile storage.

Connection between Google Maps and SEO

Google sources much of its Google Maps data from public sources. Information about companies or restaurants is often available online even if the businesses themselves are not proactive. Through the Google My Business platform, companies can manage and update their Google Maps information. A valid Google account is required for this. Using Google My Business, businesses can conduct search engine optimization (SEO) for local searches, enhancing entries with relevant search terms. In local searches, entries via Google My Business are crucial, as they often appear first in search results with local relevance.