2025年1月18日, 谷歌地圖是世界頂級導航應用程式，到今年2月份它將有20年歴史。 它旨在使用新的生成人工智慧功能和更敏捷的街景攝像頭保持領先地位，該攝像頭將幫助它繪製至少三個新國家。 自從谷歌聯合創始人拉裡·佩奇（Larry Page）最初想出地圖的想法以來，街景相機已經拍攝了數十億張圖片，並繪製了數百萬英里的地圖。 現在，谷歌地圖在250多個國家可用。 CNBC獨家瞭解了街景服務中心，並向地圖負責人詢問了資料、隱私、交通和人工智慧。
Google Maps is the world’s top navigation app, and in February it will turn 20 years old. It’s aiming to stay ahead using new generative AI features, and a nimbler Street View camera that will help it map at least three new countries. Street View cameras have taken billions of images and mapped millions of miles since Google co-founder Larry Page first had the idea for Maps. Now, Google Maps is available in more than 250 countries. CNBC got an exclusive look at the Street View service center and asked the head of Maps about data, privacy, traffic and AI.
Chapters:
1:45 – 4:11 Smaller camera, more countries
DeepSeek give the following comprehensive summary:
Screenshot showing DeepSeek spent 44 seconds to think for preparing my answer
Comprehensive Summary of “From Street View To AI — How Google Maps Mapped The World”
1. Evolution of Google Street View Technology
Early Beginnings (2007–2010):
The first Street View camera (2007) weighed 500 lbs and required forklifts for installation.
By 2008, lighter 75-pound systems enabled mapping pedestrian areas in Europe via tricycles and snowmobiles.
In 2010, wearable 50-pound camera backpacks allowed access to remote locations like the Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu.
Modern Advancements (2018–2022):
2018 introduced 40-pound backpack systems for greater mobility.
The 2022 “next-gen” camera is lightweight, detachable, and usable on rental cars, facilitating updates in hard-to-reach regions (e.g., islands).
Cameras have mapped over 100 countries, with recent expansions into Bosnia and Herzegovina, Namibia, and Liechtenstein.
2. AI-Driven Innovations in Google Maps
Generative AI Integration:
Immersive View: Combines billions of Street View and aerial images using Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) to create 3D route previews with real-time data (e.g., weather, air quality).
Gemini AI Chatbot: Enables natural language queries (e.g., “Find a dog-friendly bar showing football games”) and summarizes user reviews.
Real-Time Updates: AI analyzes 100 million daily updates for hazards (floods, unplowed roads) and optimizes routes.
Future AI Applications:
City planning tools for EV charging station placement.
Enhanced public transit features (delay alerts, subway entrances).
3. Data Collection & Privacy Measures
Data Sources:
Street View fleets, satellites, aerial imagery, 1,000+ third-party sources, and user contributions (500 million daily inputs).
Waze integration provides real-time traffic reports.
Privacy Safeguards:
Automatic blurring of faces/license plates.
Sensitive locations (e.g., abortion clinics) auto-deleted from history.
Since December 2023, location history stored on-device, not in the cloud.
Users can request area blurring on Street View.
4. Challenges & Competition
User Reliance Risks:
Incidents like a fatal 2022 bridge collapse in North Carolina (Maps allegedly ignored warnings).
Traffic rerouting strains small neighborhoods.
Competitors:
Apple Maps improved since its rocky 2012 launch but lags behind Google’s 2 billion monthly users.
Regional players like Grab in Jakarta address local inaccuracies.
5. Revenue Streams
Advertising:
Promoted listings for businesses (e.g., restaurants, shops).
Ads integrated subtly via logos or prioritized search results.
Enterprise Solutions:
Maps Platform: Licensed to companies like Uber, Domino’s, and Wayfair ($58M paid by Uber from 2016–2019).
Solar API: Sells rooftop data for solar planning (480M+ buildings in 40 countries).
Android Automotive: Powers infotainment systems in cars (GM, Ford, Volvo).
Revenue Estimates:
Projected to grow from 2.95B(2019)to11B (2023), per Morgan Stanley.
6. Future Directions
Autonomous Vehicles & Mapping:
Waymo robotaxis (operational in Phoenix) may eventually contribute to Maps via real-time data.
Potential for self-driving fleets to replace human-driven data collection.
AI Expansion:
Reducing reliance on manual updates through automated sensing and processing.
Enhanced social optimization of traffic flow (beyond individual routing).
Conclusion
Google Maps leverages two decades of imaging innovation, AI advancements, and user-generated data to maintain dominance in navigation. While challenges around privacy and accuracy persist, its integration with AI and autonomous technology positions it as a critical tool for future mobility and urban planning.
