Google Maps in India has AI-Driven Updates; Read Here

Over the years, the software-based navigation offering, Google Maps, has drastically evolved, resulting in a more user-friendly experience. That said, it has become one of the most essential applications in our daily lives. However, Google Maps has rolled out some exciting AI-driven features, specifically designed for India. 

So, let’s delve into the new India-oriented updates of Google Maps. 

Navigating Flyovers

It is called flyover callouts, which is part of the new update. This feature prepares the commuter in advance for the oncoming flyover(s). This feature is extremely useful as it can reduce confusion or last-minute decisions. 

Avoiding Narrow Roads

Similarly, this is also an AI-driven feature, which helps avoid narrow roads. This feature will be AI-driven and estimate the road widths with the help of satellite imagery, Street View, and other data. This added feature will offer safer and more reliable travel to four-wheelers, two-wheelers, pedestrians, and other commuters. Currently, this feature is available for Android users in Bhopal, Indore, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, Chennai, Guwahati, and Hyderabad. Other cities will also have this feature soon. 

Finding EV Charging Stations  

This new feature, as the name implies, can show the nearest charging stations across India. The search results will also show the plug types supported. To make this feature seamless, the tech giant has collaborated with EV charging providers - ElectricPe, Kazam, Ather, and Statiq. 

It’s the first time in the world that Google has provided information about EV charging stations for two-wheelers.

Reporting Obstacles

Reporting traffic or any other obstacle is not new, but Google has improved this feature. However, they made the reporting obstacle a quick-access feature. 

Purchasing Metro Tickets

Another update of the India-bound Google Maps is the accessibility to book metro tickets. The Indian division of Google Maps has partnered with Namma Yatri and ONDC, as far as metro tickets are concerned. Paying online via Google Maps is also accessible. This feature will allow users to skip the long queues at the metro stations in India. 

Commenting on these new updates, Miriam Daniel, VP and GM of Google Maps stated, “Our quest to build a better Maps experience is never-ending, and India presents many amazing opportunities to bring the best of our AI and geospatial technologies to address complex real-world challenges. Many of these solutions are being pioneered in India, for India. From a custom-built AI approach for tackling narrow roads and flyovers to powering sustainable journeys with EV charging stations, as well as enabling the biggest community of map contributors to surface real-time road disruptions on the map, we’re excited to bring such helpful features to millions across the country. India truly is at the centre of our innovation, and we can’t wait to build the future of Maps right here.”