How does Google Maps work ?

Dhivijit
3 min readFeb 6, 2022

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First and foremost, let us know about a humorous incident. Simon Weckert, a Berlin-based artist, put Google Maps to the test by carrying 99 cellphones throughout the city. He activated Google Maps navigation on all the phones, and Google Maps revealed that the route was congested despite the absence of automobiles.

Trolley carrying the mobile phones
Trolley carrying the phones

As a result of this incidence, we can deduce that Google Maps is based on crowdsourcing.

It tracks the movement of all mobile devices throughout the world that have Google Maps installed. The state of the road is displayed based on the phone’s movements (clear, rushing, or blocked). It also determines whether or not a location is busy based on the density of phones in the region, as well as whether or not it can be visited.

The satellite maps are created utilizing space satellites, and the movement of the phones aids in the definition of the routes on the app.

It also shows if the roads are closed due to construction or other factors. However, Google cannot constantly investigate all the locations because it would be extremely time-consuming.

Users of Google Maps use the app to report on the current state of a location. If several people do the same thing, it verifies the situation and alerts other people nearby.

How does Google Maps know about the places on the roads ?

Users can add new places to Google Maps and modify existing places if there is any incorrect information or if they want to add more information about that location.

What method does Google use to verify this information?

Using the “Check Facts” option, Google Maps tells users who seek to check if a specific piece of information is correct or not. People who are interested will provide the information, and if more information about that location becomes available, that edit will be put to their servers.

Why do people do these things in the first place?

Users of Google Maps have access to a feature called “Local Guide,” which has multiple levels. As the user goes through the stages, they will receive presents from Google such as clothing, gadgets, and other items.

This is done by Google to encourage individuals to make improvements and get gifts, which aids Google Maps in providing correct information.

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Dhivijit

I am a student. Currently interested in Tech and have coding as a hobby. I am a crypto enthusiast.