How Does Google Maps Do It?

Every month, over a billion people open their phones and fire up Google Maps. Its original function—offering driving directions, with real-time traffic tracking—was disruptive enough in 2008, when most people had to pay $10 a month for traffic data. But since that time, it’s become a global business directory, a transit timetable, crowdedness monitor, a Street View miracle—and now, in its newest release, an augmented-reality viewer of the cityscape around you. The question is: How is Google doing it, and why is it free? Meet the man who runs Google’s entire Geo division. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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How Does Google Maps Do It? is an episode from Unsung Science by CBS News.

This episode is 32:43 long.

This episode was published on Oct 26, 2023.

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