Google Maps is a web mapping platform and a consumer application owned by Google. It offers satellite imagery, aerial photography, street maps, 360° interactive panoramic views of streets (Street View), real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for traveling by foot, car, air (in beta) and public transportation. It was launched in 2005.

1# The service first started as a C++ program designed by Lars and Jens Eilstrup Rasmussen, Noel Gordon and Stephen Ma at the Sydney-based company Where 2 Technologies. It was first designed to be downloaded by users. In October 2004, the company was acquired by Google Inc.

2# My Maps is a feature in Google Maps launched in April 2007 that enables users to create custom maps for personal use or sharing. 

3# In October 2009, Google replaced Tele Atlas as their primary supplier of geospatial data in the US version of Maps and used their own data.

4# In February 2020, Simon Weckert used 99 cell phones to fake a Google Maps traffic jam.