Google Maps celebrates 20 years and 1 trillion kilometres of directions provided

Global directory app, Google Maps is celebrating 20 years in existence. Google disclosed this in a statement made available to Technext. Google Maps is a tool that has fundamentally changed how people explore and navigate the world. Over the past two decades, it has become an essential tool for more than 2 billion monthly users, providing both comprehensive information and a vibrant community for sharing knowledge.

“Google Maps isn’t simply a map; it’s a dynamic platform shaping users’ understanding of the world. Its rich and up-to-date information empowers users to confidently navigate, wherever their journey takes them,” the statement reads.

Google said the evolution of Maps has seen it bring a wealth of features to enhance every journey. Powered by Gemini, the tools provide curated ideas on where users can go to. It also has a “Directory” tab which helps users explore what’s available at airports.

See also: Google Maps replaces fuel stations with charging points for electric vehicle drivers

Maps also has an Augmented reality feature that allows users to understand an area at a glance. It also helps users undertake everyday tasks, like finding the cheapest petrol station nearby, restaurants and other places. These tasks are made easier with Maps.

Other features available on Google Maps include airport navigation, street view time travel, reservations, group planning, stress-free arrivals, preview of routes with AI, and fuel-efficient routes.

1 trillion kilometres of direction and some most-searched places on Google Maps

Google also announced that Google Maps has provided 1 trillion kilometres worth of directions in its 20 years of existence. The app is also home to 250 million businesses and places. More than 500 million people contribute to the maps each year, with these 500 million people contributing at least 100 million updates every year.

“These numbers highlight the impact of Google Maps on a global scale, as well as locally in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

To mark this 20th anniversary, Google also unveiled the top-reviewed places in Nigeria, showcasing the locations that have captured the hearts of Nigerian users. These lists offer fascinating insights into popular choices for restaurants, cafes, visitor attractions, parks, and museums across the country.

Among the most-reviewed restaurants in Nigeria are: Mega Chicken, Farmcity Lekki Lounge, Crush Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, Domino’s Pizza, Wuse, Jevinik Restaurant, Cactus Restaurant, The Junkyard Grills, BluCabana Restaurant & Cafe, and Domino’s Pizza, Yaba.

Places under the Most Reviewed Cafes include: Flowershop Cafe, Oliver’s Café, Salamander Cafe, Café de vie, Wood House Cafe, TOP BEANS. Coffee & more, Creamslices Cafe, Café Flour, Ketchup, and Ark City Cafe And Grill.

The Most Reviewed Visitor Attractions include: Dimplediva_scent, Oniru Private Beach, The Good Beach, New Berger Roundabout Ojodu Ikeja, Emir’s Palace Kano City, Rumuokoro Flyover, Railway Compound Ebute Meta Lagos, Abia Tower Roundabout Umuahia, Fela’s Shrine Ikeja, and Idumagbo Junction Eyo Statue.

The Most Reviewed Parks include: City Park Abuja, Muri Okunola Park, Tinubu Square, Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Freedom Park Lagos, Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, Millennium Park, Shitta Roundabout Park, JD Leisure park, and Trans-Amusement Park.

The Most Reviewed Museums include: National Museum Benin City, Kalakuta museum, National Museum Lagos, Open Heavens International Centre, OOPL, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Kaduna., AREWA House, Gidan Makama Museum, Sculpture Garden, and National Museum of Unity

Speaking about Google Maps’ impact in helping people discover new places, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Google West Africa said: “Google Maps has evolved from a basic mapping tool to a dynamic platform that helps people explore, navigate, and discover new experiences. The top reviewed locations in Nigeria highlight the places that have captured the interest and attention of our users.”