Google Maps is getting AI-powered ‘Ask Maps’ feature and more immersive navigation

Google is continuing to weave Gemini into the firmament of its most-used products. Today, it announced that Google Maps was getting a new AI-powered “Ask Maps” feature that allows for “complex, real-world questions” with highly detailed, personalized responses.

In the past, Google Maps would struggle with hyper-specific questions like “where can I charge my phone without having to wait in line for coffee” or “where is the closest public bathroom that isn’t completely disgusting” (parents of kids with tiny bladders, I’m looking at you). But now, thanks to Gemini, all our weird, slightly embarrassing questions can be answered — directions included.

Ask Maps lets you describe your plans conversationally, including as much or as little detail as you want, and Gemini will sift through your query to provide as detailed a response as you need, often using personal details you’ve provided through your past interactions with Google Maps.

In a briefing with reporters, Google product manager Andrew Duchi used this example: “I have some friends coming from Midtown East to meet me after work. Can you find us a spot between the office and Midtown East that’s vegetarian, has a cozy aesthetic, and a table for four at seven o’clock tonight?” (I’m not sure Google Maps cares that much about your evening plans, but I digress.)

Using Gemini, Maps would then provide a number of examples, analyzing user-submitted reviews and photos to pull data about the aesthetics or general busyness of possible locations. If there are places you’ve favorited or interacted with in the past, they might appear in the reply as well. And if you like what you see, Ask Maps will go one step further and book a table for you with just a single tap.

”It’s personalized for you and lets you turn those plans into action,” Duchi said. “Less scrolling, more strolling.”

The responses Gemini spits out will rely solely on data from Google Maps and not any information from other Google apps, like Gmail, said Miriam Daniel, VP and general manager for Google Maps. When responses are personalized, the information will be based on previous searches within Maps or Google Search that are relevant to locations users have saved in Maps or places they have favorited or added to lists, she said.

Asked whether Google plans to allow businesses such as restaurants or hotels to pay for prominent placement in AI-generated itineraries or recommendations, Duchi deflected, saying he couldn’t speculate about long-term monetization plans. He did say that currently paid placements won’t influence which locations appear in Ask Maps recommendations.

The feature is launching this week in the US and India on both Android and iOS devices, with desktop support planned for the near future.

In addition, Google is using Gemini to change the look of Maps itself. The company announced its new “Immersive Navigation,” describing it as “the largest upgrade to the Google Maps navigation experience in more than a decade.”

When you start a navigation, the map will now feature refreshed colors, detailed 3D buildings, elevated roadways, realistic terrain, and even greenery. The “camera” dynamically zooms in when necessary to highlight critical road information, adjusting its view along your route by presenting 3D perspectives that mirror the surrounding environment. Buildings, overpasses, terrain features, and other structures are represented in a way that closely reflects the real world, Google says.

Immersive Navigation will also highlight key road features such as lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs when they are relevant to the next maneuver in your navigation. Google says this helps drivers make turns or merge with greater confidence since they’ll have a better idea of what’s ahead.

In addition, the new navigation interface will explain the reasoning behind route suggestions so drivers can see why a particular path is recommended and compare alternatives more easily. These insights are powered by Google’s live traffic data as well as user-submitted contributions about construction, crashes, or upcoming hazards. And after you reach your destination, Immersive Navigation will offer more details about where to park or additional walking directions, if that’s required.

Immersive Navigation will begin rolling out in the US next week, with additional regions to follow. It’ll be available on iOS and Android devices, as well as on systems like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and vehicles with Google built-in.