More engineering investment from Google means that marketing techniques with Google maps are going to become more innovative as the maps interface strengthens, combining Street View and consumer generated content. Here are the latest developments…
Google has expanded its Ground Truth internal maps data scheme to cover 10 European countries including Spain, Andorra and Bulgaria.
The scheme blends traditional maps with Street View data, and allows users to contribute by identifying locations and correcting inaccuracies.
The updated Google Maps, announced on Thursday, cover Andorra, Bulgaria, Estonia, Gibraltar, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
Ground Truth is Google’s programme for developing its maps in-house, rather than simply relying on external data sources as it originally did.
The scheme still uses external information, but mixes it with Street View data, human input and computer algorithms to achieve as much accuracy as possible.
According to a blog post from Google Maps chief Brian McClendon, an example of the enhanced maps can be found in a recently-opened 70km section of Bulgaria’s Trakiya motorway, which is not yet found on most maps of the area.
“But roads and highways alone don’t define the character of a place, and they aren’t always sufficient to help you get around,” McClendon wrote. “So Google Maps also integrates information such as walking paths, ferry lines, building outlines, park boundaries, university campuses and more — providing a richer, more comprehensive and more realistic experience for locals, visitors and armchair travellers alike.”
Read the official blog post here
