Google Maps is a web mapping service developed by Google. It offers satellite imagery, street maps, 360° panoramic views of streets, real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for traveling by foot, car, bicycle and air, or public transportation. In May 2015, Google announced that more than 1 billion active users were using Google Maps. Google Maps has been a boon to businesses and consumers alike. The service has helped businesses by driving foot traffic and customers to their doorsteps. For consumers, it has made getting around town much easier.
Google Maps is a web mapping service developed by Google. It offers satellite imagery, street maps, 360° panoramic views of streets (Street View), real-time traffic conditions (Google Traffic), and route planning for traveling by foot, car, bicycle, or public transportation. Google Maps began as a C++ desktop program at Where 2 Technologies. In October 2004, the company was acquired by Google, which converted it into a web application. After additional acquisitions of a geospatial data visualization company and a realtime traffic analyzer, Google Maps was launched in February 2005. The service's front end utilizes JavaScript, XML, and Ajax. Google Maps offers an API that allows maps to be embedded on third-party websites, and offers a locator for urban businesses and other organizations in numerous countries around the world. Google Map Maker allows users to collaboratively expand and update the service's mapping worldwide. In 2012, Google reported having over 7,100 employees and contractors directly working in mapping.
Google Maps is a powerful tool that can help businesses to promote their products and services. However, businesses need to ensure that their website is optimised for Google Maps in order to maximise their chances of being found by potential customers.