Google Maps turns 20 on February 8, marking two decades since its desktop debut in 2005. What started as a simple tool to help people “get from point A to point B” has evolved into one of the most used services worldwide, with more than 1 billion active users each month.

Just months after its launch, Google Earth arrived, offering 3D views of our planet from the comfort of our desktops. Today, Google Earth features more than 93 million square kilometres of high-definition satellite imagery, allowing digital explorers to venture far and wide.

In 2005, Google made it possible to embed Maps into websites and apps and introduced the Google Trip Planner to help commuters with public transport schedules. That same year, real-time traffic data became available, giving drivers insight into which roads were congested.

Real-time information on traffic conditions enables people to see which roads have free-flowing traffic, and which roads are congested. Image / Google Maps

Then, on May 29, 2007, Google launched Street View, a groundbreaking feature that quickly became a favourite part of Google Maps. Over the past 18 years, Street View has captured more than 16 million kilometres of imagery, using everything from snowmobiles to camels to gather photos.

“We’ve had an active Street View photography operation in New Zealand for several years, and we’re committed to keeping our imagery up to date,” a Google New Zealand spokesperson said.

“This helps ensure our Street View imagery provides the most accurate and useful representation of New Zealand’s roads and landscapes.

The five Tauranga “legends” at Fergusson Park were captured by Street View cameras. Photo / Google Street View.

In September 2024, a spontaneous and fun moment was captured in Tauranga when a group of friends was photographed as they posed for the passing Street View car. The photo quickly went viral in local Facebook groups and became a heartwarming example of the “right place, right time” magic of Street View.

“It’s a snapshot of us just before leaving school,” Kayden Shanks, one of the group members said. “Now we’ll always have that moment.”

Google New Zealand said the last imagery captured for Tauranga was in September 2024.

“You can find dates for older collections of Street View imagery for Tauranga and Matua by clicking “see more dates” on the image,” a Google New Zealand spokesperson said.

A business owner in Edinburgh, Scotland staged a fake murder in 2012. Photo/Google Street View.

Often the Street View car captures some interesting images as it passes people.

“Street View captures real-life moments, which can sometimes include people posing or interacting with the camera in interesting ways.”

Google New Zealand said it’s all part of the magic of capturing a snapshot of the world.

“That said, we take privacy seriously and blur identifiable faces and license plates in Street View imagery.”

A flock of pigeon-masked people on a sidewalk in Tokyo. Photo/Google Street View.

The Street View cars use advanced camera systems to capture 360-degree panoramic views with remarkable detail.

“This ensures a comprehensive and detailed representation of the environment.”

Google said it has captured over 280 billion images, on every single continent and in over 100 countries.

“We’re always working to expand our coverage.”

Google Maps app on mobile phone. Image/Google Maps.

The current Street View car uses a powerful seven-camera system with 32 lidar beams for precise depth understanding.

“This allows for vibrant colours and eliminates graininess. We’ve also developed a new, smaller camera that can be mounted on any car, making it even easier to capture Street View imagery in various locations.”

After filming, the images are processed using a technique called photogrammetry.

“This is similar to putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle together that spans the entire globe,” a Google New Zealand spokesperson said.

“By refining our photogrammetry technique, we can align imagery from multiple sources–Street View, aerial, and satellite imagery, along with authoritative datasets–with accuracy down to the metre.

“Street View offers a unique way to virtually explore the world, from the comfort of your own home. With over 280 billion images and counting, you can discover everything from the Great Barrier Reef to the International Space Station!”

The Street View Trekker’s first stop was the Grand Canyon. Photo/Google Maps.

In November 2007, Google Maps launched on mobile devices, adding navigation features in 2009.

The introduction of the Street View Trekker in 2012 allowed Google to explore hard-to-reach locations like the Grand Canyon and the top of the Eiffel Tower, expanding the scope of Street View even further.

Google Maps isn’t just for exploring far-flung places; it’s also about helping people discover what’s nearby. In 2014, it became easier to find essential details like hours, ratings, and prices for millions of businesses around the world. Today, these features are accessible for over 200 million locations via the Explore tab.

Google Maps app on mobile phone. Image/Google Maps.

2014 also saw the introduction of ‘Google My Business,’ which allowed business owners to manage their presence on Google Maps and Search. In 2015, offline maps were launched, enabling turn-by-turn navigation even without internet access.

The following year, Google introduced the Local Guides program, and in 2018, it added accessibility information to Google Maps, including wheelchair-friendly routes and details about accessible entrances and restrooms for over 50 million places globally.

Google also introduced augmented reality with Live View, using arrows and directions to guide users in real time.

From its humble beginnings to its status as a global navigation and exploration tool, Google Maps has continually evolved, shaping the way we interact with the world around us. Happy 20th birthday Google Maps!