Google Maps Now Can Direct Based On Landmarks And Powered By Gemini For Lens

Google Maps is now more student (photo; x @juancpedreira ·)

Jakarta Google Maps launched a series of new features based on artificial intelligence (AI) that are getting smarter and feel more humane. Starting November 2025, users in the United States will begin to enjoy landmark-based navigation and improved Lens features now supported by Gemini, Google's newest multimodal AI model.

This landmark-based navigation replaces the directional force of another 500 meters with clues that feel more natural like a right turn after the Thai Siam restaurant. The iconic building, gas station, or a restaurant that is easily recognized is now used as a reference in directional guidelines.

Google explained that this system uses Gemini's computer vision capability to recognize landmarks from Street View and match them with 250 million locations already listed on Maps. Buildings with low visibility will not be used as directional reference.

This feature is designed to make navigation more intuitive, especially for users who are easier to recognize places than distance figures. Landmark is easier to remember, especially in densely populated areas," Google representatives said in their official statement. This feature has started rolling out for Android and iOS users in the US, and has become a new default setting.

Additionally, Google Maps is also adding proactive traffic alignments automatic notifications that will alert users about major bottlenecks, road closures, or delays on frequently traversed routes, even when users are not opening navigation. This feature is currently available for Android in the US.

Another interesting innovation is the increase in Google Lens in Maps. Now users can direct the camera to a location and direct talk' with Maps using Gemini. For example, by asking, What place is this and why is it popular? or Are they taking a walk-in? Gemini will provide answers based on a summary of the information taken from Maps data and user reviews. This feature is scheduled to launch in stages in the US later this month for Android and iOS.

With all these updates, Google Maps seems to want to make the experience of exploring the world feel more contextual and intelligent not just a direction, but a travel assistant who understands the environment around us.