Kate Mills 
Feb 03, 2024
Google Maps is introducing a new generative AI feature designed to provide personalised recommendations for users to discover new places. The AI tool utilises large language models (LLMs) to analyse information from over 250 million locations on Google Maps and input from more than 300 million contributors to offer tailored suggestions based on user’s specific needs.
The generative AI feature is set to roll out this week to select Local Guides in the US, who actively contribute to Google Maps. The wider release will follow after gathering feedback from these community members.
Google has listed a few examples of the generative AI search feature in use in the official announcement post. In a provided example, if a user plans to spend a few hours thrifting for vintage items in San Francisco, they can ask Maps for suggestions such as "places with a vintage vibe in SF." The AI models will then analyze information about nearby businesses and locations, including photos, ratings, and reviews from the Maps community, to provide tailored recommendations, according to Gadgets360.
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The results are organised into categories, accompanied by photo carousels and review summaries. The AI feature allows for continued conversation with follow-up questions, enhancing the overall discovery experience on Google Maps.
Google envisions that this AI-powered feature will simplify the process of discovering new places and exploring the world through Maps. The tool's deployment to select Local Guides in the US serves as an initial testing phase before a broader rollout, ensuring that feedback from the community is considered in refining the feature.
