Google is introducing generative AI into Google Maps to help users find interesting places. The feature will answer queries about restaurant or shopping recommendations, for example, by using its large language model (LLM) to analyze detailed information from Google Maps, which includes over 250 million places, and obtain reliable information from a community of over 300 million contributors to provide recommendations quickly.

Google stated that the feature will be launched first in the United States, but it is not yet determined when it will be rolled out in other countries.

Google has been working for years to transform its flagship navigation product into a search tool that is more about discovering new places rather than just getting directions. It seems natural that the next step would be to leverage its advanced generative AI technology to accelerate this transformation.

Google provides examples of using generative AI search functionality that align with its style:

For instance, if you are visiting San Francisco and want to spend a few hours exploring some unique antiques, simply ask the map for what you are looking for, such as "places in San Francisco with a vintage atmosphere." The AI model will analyze rich information about nearby businesses and locations on the map, as well as photos, ratings, and reviews from the map community, to provide you with trustworthy recommendations.

Google stated that the initial integration will start small, collaborating with the company's "Local Guides" community contributors to ensure thoughtful application of generative AI. This means that initially, only these contributors will have access to the generative AI functionality in Google Maps. The company will later open up the feature to other users.

Since at least 2019, "Local Guides" have been present, described as "a global community of explorers who write reviews, share photos, answer questions, add or edit places, and fact-check on Google Maps."

It is currently unclear how different this is from searching "vintage stores SF" in the regular Google Maps search bar. Perhaps the responses from Google Maps will adopt more of a familiar chatbot style rather than just providing a list of antique stores sorted by distance.