Google Maps

Google Maps at a glance

Google Maps is a navigation and local-search app for finding places, planning routes and getting around by car, on foot, by bicycle or on public transport. It suits travellers, commuters and anyone checking what is nearby before setting out. Search can take you to businesses, attractions, stations and other points of interest, with map information and directions gathered in one place.

What it covers

• Route guidance: Get turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, cycling and public transport, with route changes based on traffic and reported incidents.
• Place information: Look up businesses and attractions, then compare details such as ratings, prices, opening information and how busy a place may be.
• Street-level views: Use Street View and related imagery to inspect roads, entrances and surroundings before arriving.
• Offline areas: Download selected map regions for navigation when a reliable data connection is not available.
• Walking assistance: In supported locations, camera-based guidance can add directional cues to the view around you.

Ratings and reach

The listing records a rating of 3.1722708 out of 5 from 19,302,412 reviews, alongside 10,000,000,000+ installs. Those figures show a very large user base, while the middling average rating suggests that the experience is not equally well received by everyone. Google LLC is listed as the developer.

Things to keep in mind

Google Maps brings a wide range of travel and local information into one app, which is useful when a trip involves more than simply following a road. The amount of map data can also make the interface feel busy, particularly when many businesses, transport options and alerts appear at once. Continuous location use, live routing and camera-based tools may use substantial battery, especially on longer journeys.