Celebrating Google Maps 15th Anniversary

February 9, 2020 New York, NY, USA

Google Maps 15th Anniversary

Google is celebrating it's 15th anniversary and this weekend they had a fun pop up in New York City!

#GoogleMaps15
It's the 15th anniversary of Google Maps, a service that’s now used by over 1 billion people around the world every month. Google has mapped more than 200 million places (6.5 billion of which users have bookmarked) across 220 countries to date and adds over 20 million photos, reviews, ratings, and other pieces of content from users every day.

With it being Google Maps' 15th birthday, the search giant is implementing a redesign that focuses on five specific categories: "Explore," "Commute," "Saved," "Contribute," and "Updates," essentially highlighting all of the functions people use Google Maps for besides getting directions. Here's the break down of each category:
  • Explore: Offers reviews and recommendations for nearby restaurants, activities, and attractions.
  • Commute: Gives directions to a location, travel time estimates, traffic alerts, and more.
  • Saved:A customizable list of saved locations for quick access. The list can be organized by category and shared with others. 
  • Contribute: Submit reviews, photos, and other suggestions for places on Google Maps. 
  • Updates: A feed of recent reviews and other updates for places you have visited in the past, trending locations, and recommendations from Local Guides. You can also interact with businesses listed on Google Maps directly through this tab. 
Google Maps icon will also switch to a multi-colored pin, moving away from the previous map-liked illustration. Google is also announcing a couple new features to Maps, although they won’t arrive until sometime in March. The first is increased crowdsourced information for public transit. Before, Google Maps could only tell you whether a train or bus was expected to be crowded, but the new update allows users to submit and share other details like temperature, wheelchair accessibility, or whether there’s a women-only carriage or onboard security. Google will also expand their Live View function and test new capabilities that will enable users to see the direction they need to walk in instead of turn-by-turn directions. It will also enable users to directly see how far away and in which direction a place is.

I was invited to attend a brunch with Google Maps x Google Local Guides in NYC. It started off by meeting at the Google Maps pop up in the Flatiron plaza.  This was open to the public and they had an interactive touchscreen Google pin which was giving out surprises all weekend long. They partnered with local eateries around the NYC area. I won free vegan donuts, yay! This pop up only lasted for three days so by the time you read this, it's long gone. After that I headed to the brunch location and let me tell you they decorated the restaurant super cute. With the new Google pin colors they used balloons to decorate the table area. The table also had balloons that we got to pop with a Google pin and it then exploded colorful confetti throughout the table. The attention to detail was so amazing and the food was outstanding as well. I had such a great time meeting other local guides and bloggers at this event. Here's a few captures from the event!

NYC Google Maps Pop Up

Google Local Guides

GoogleMaps15

Google Maps 15th Anniversary

Kyma NyC

GoogleMaps15

NYC Google Local Guides

Google Maps 15th Anniversary


GoogleMaps15

Google Maps 15th Anniversary


Comment Below,
Do you use Google Maps ?

27 comments

  1. Oh my goodness! That's so fun that you were able to attend the event. I have so much trouble getting used to new things, lol, but the upgrades are great!

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  2. I had no idea Google maps turned 15, wow!!! I can't believe we've been using it for that long, amazing.

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    1. I know right, it was so crazy to see t he progression from when they first started!

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  3. This is so cool. I can't believe Google maps is already 15 - I use them all the time.

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  4. It seems like just yesterday was the first time I used Google Maps. Time really flies when you're lost :)

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  5. I'm having a hard time believing it's been 15 years since Google Maps came to be! How has time flown that fast! And what a transformation they've gone through over the years. It's impressive to see all they've been able to do!

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  6. I cannot believe that it has been 15 years since Google Maps come out and how it makes travel so convenient. The brunch place looks really cute.

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  7. Great pictures! Google made good job with their maps. Looks like nice party too. Now I want some good food and mimosa)

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  8. I can't believe Google Maps has been around for 15 years. It certainly deserves a happy birthday. I'd be lost without it. No, really, I would. LOL

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    1. Hi Brianne. You're right, I'd be lost without it too)))

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  9. Don't know where I'd be before Google Maps! Ha, literally. So fun you got to go to this pop-up!

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  10. I can agree that google maps is an amazing app! I use it for everything and the reviews future helps so much. Here is to another 15 years.

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  11. That is awesome, happy birthday Google maps! I remember using mapquest for everything back in the day. haha but I always use Google maps now.

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  12. I had no idea google maps was 15! That's crazy! Happy Birthday Google Maps!

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  13. Your blog is definitely one of my favorites and has inspired me to write more about traveling. I think it is amazing that you took us through the entire event and allowed us to experience your journey. Happy 15th Google Maps! I can't believe it's been around for so many years. Wow.

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  14. I had no idea that Google Maps was that old already! I am glad you are enjoying your travels!

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  15. Congratulations Google Maps! i hope to find more features with this one. :)

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  16. Aaaahhhhh....I love the upgrades they are bringing soon, on board. I do use Google Maps a lot and many times, they save me a lot.

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  17. Ahhh so fun!! Google maps is literally a game changer! Crazy to think it's 15 years old now!

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  18. i wouldn't be able to go anywhere without google maps. after i go somewhere once i'm good but before that i have major issues with directions.

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  19. Its a worth celebration.. I love Google maps... Its my go to for everything while traveling.

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  20. gosh - can you imagine life before google maps? the days of trying to navigate road maps are long gone, thankfully for me!

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  21. 15 years of Google Maps! Wow...I feel OLD! Haha!

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  22. Wow! 15 years!? What a fun event! I love Google Maps. Definitely my go-to!

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  23. That's just so crazy it's been that many years! I love the way you've captured all these moments and celebrations for this incredible milestone! 🙌
    ✨Morgs*

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  24. This looks like fu . Thanks for sharing about it

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