4 Google Maps Predictions for 2020

Believe it or not, the end of the year is just around the corner, and at MapsPeople, we like to look to the future. This year has been a big one for Google Maps with lots of new features making the map the best one yet. Of course, there’s more to come and even though Google is keeping its cards close to its chest, we’ve made an educated guess to what we can expect to see in 2020. Here are our predictions, and what we hope to see rolled out in the new year.

#1 Increased personalization
A fairly certain prediction is that Google Maps will be more and more customizable. Male, female, Cookie Monster, different accents...you can get your directions from a variety of voices, but we predict that there will be more choices to come in 2020. You may also be able to choose a new mode of transport with a motorcycle option.

#2  More control on your route
Google Maps already does a good job at proposing alternative routes, but sometimes, it’s not about efficiency and getting from A to B as fast as possible. We predict a new “scenic routes” option that will give you the best recommendation for getting to your destination and taking in the view simultaneously. Similarly, re-routing might get more varied with the possibility of taking an alternative road through residential areas instead of clogged up main avenues and highways. 

#3  Add ons that will enhance your experience
One thing we are really hoping for in 2020 is to see an increased value in using Google Maps. A feature that would contribute to that is a better overview of parking near your destination, so you never lose time driving around once you’ve arrived. 

#4  An improved API 
Some features available in Google Maps’ public map are not available on API, but we are expecting to see a change in that regard. Hopefully, 2020 will bring:

• More available Unity support 
• Ridesharing services 
• Native intelligent data collection capabilities with integrations for the rest of the GCP
• 3D maps
• Capacity to change the map orientation 

Predicting the future isn’t easy - especially when you’re trying to predict what new features and updates a company like Google will pull out of the hat. However, as a Google Maps Premiere Partner, we can look at the year gone by and the tendencies in the market and make qualified guesses.

What Google Maps predictions do you have? Feel free to share your predictions with us on Facebook or LinkedIn. We’d love to hear from you.