This year Google will make over 100 AI-powered improvements to Google Maps.

In a blog published Tuesday, Dane Glasgow, VP of Product, Google Maps, revealed that the company was using machine learning to push the boundaries of what a map can do. About 100 AI-powered improvements are planned, with many rolling out this year. (Google)

Live View: Navigating the great indoors

If you’re intimidated by the vast spaces inside an airport terminal or train station or looking for a store in a mall, Google Maps will now give you a Live View.

Powered by a technology known as global localization, Live View shows you exactly where you are and what your orientation is by using Artificial Intelligence to scan billions of Street View images.

What’s more, Live View will display and arrows and directions of where and how to go.

So, it’s a cinch to find the nearest elevator and escalators, your gate, platform, baggage claim, check-in counters, ticket office, restrooms, ATMs, and more in an airport or train station.

Live View will also similarly help locate a particular store in a mall, guiding you to the exact floor and location.

Weather and air quality

Google maps will also feature ‘layers’ for weather and air quality. On weather, the maps app will display current and forecast temperatures and weather conditions in your area.

Allergy-prone persons will appreciate the new air quality layer and displayed messages. For instance:

“Cochran Street Station

8 AQI – Good

Ideal air quality for outdoor activities”

The Weather Company, AirNow.gov, and the Central Pollution Board will provide the data to power the weather and air quality layers.

Helping people reduce their environmental footprint

Google Maps will soon display by default the route a person can take that will involve the lowest carbon footprint while keeping the arrival time approximately the same as the fastest route.

The user can also compare routes by ETA, CO2 impact, and set the preferences and Settings.

In other environmental initiatives, Google Maps will also highlight “low emission zones” to drivers so that there are aware of whether the vehicle is allowed in that area, to choose an alternative route, or even to switch to a different mode of transportation.

Maps to display grocery and food pickups

Maps will now include shopping information through Business Profiles so that drivers are aware of the delivery and curbside pickup options.

Maps will display data such as pickup and delivery windows, fees, order minimums, and delivery providers.

Google Maps has already tied up with Instacart and Albertson’s Cos. stores in the US.

In the summer, you would be able to add a grocery order, placed on US supermarket Fred Meyer, to your Maps App.

Maps will send a notification when it’s time to leave and let the store know your approximate arrival time. The store can therefore keep your order ready for you when you reach.

It would be brought right out for a seamless, fast, no-contact pickup.

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