Finding the nearest Starbucks is easy.

This is where AI comes in.

“My travels have taught me the importance of reliable, accurate information.

Over the shoulder view of someone using Google Maps on a smartphone.

Google Maps.CardMapr.nl / Unsplash

With its extensive deep map and place data, Google Maps has often been a trusted companion.

Smarter AI Maps

Google has been putting AI into maps since before it was fashionable.

It also uses AI to identify road data from its Street View images and translate them onto its maps.

Screenshots from Google Maps

Google Maps.Google

Google

All of this is fine, but it’s thenew LLM capabilitiesthat we’re talking about here.

Other examples include activities for a rainy day or things to do with kids.

I still remember my first visit to Berlin for a press event, pre-smartphone.

Someone using a smartphone in a restaurant to take pictures of food.

Google matches photos to the dishes listed in online menus.SDI Productions / Getty Images

Because Google already indexes the entire public web, it can draw all kinds of conclusions about real-world places.

Oscar Wong / Getty Images

Personally, I’m cautiously optimistic.

This is exactly the kind of thing that machine learning is good for.

Over the shoulder view of someone following a walking route on Google Maps.

Google Maps walking directions.Oscar Wong / Getty Images