How Does Google Maps Work?

Google Maps is a program that makes it possible for users to plan trips and to get directions to locations. Without having to go to the store to buy a map, a person can an up-to-date map on what route works. If a road is closed down, for example, Google Maps won’t send a person down that road because it would not be advantageous. However, what makes Google Maps work?

How Does Google Maps Work

Google Maps works because of a partnership between Google and a company called Tele Atlas. This is a private company–in other words, it is not owned by Google in any way–that is a leader in navigation and location-based services. What this partnership offers is an updated map with information on new roads that have been opened. The maps that Tele Atlas create are incredibly accurate, but on top of that, they are extensive. While other map servers might only include the main roads down to somewhat small roads, Tele Atlas is good at getting all the tiny little stream like roads.

Once Google has the map, they go in and begin to add things. To begin with, they add their huge “Yellowpages” of businesses to the list. This way, a user can go on and find directions to some place and get ideas for where to eat or stop for gas on the way. This makes travelling that much easier because the entire trip can be planned from the comfort of your office or home.

Google’s power, though, comes from the users. At any time, a business can add their business to the listing by using Mapplets. This gets their business listed on Google Maps. So, the next time someone comes along and is looking for a place to eat, that business will pop up in the region. This is the secret to Google’s success. They allowed the average user to expand the service so that more businesses and attractions could be found.