Google Maps offers an API that allows maps to be embedded on third-party websites, and offers a locator for businesses and other organizations in numerous countries around the world. The service's front end utilizes JavaScript, XML, and Ajax.

After additional acquisitions of a geospatial data visualization company and a real-time traffic analyzer, Google Maps was launched in February 2005. In October 2004, the company was acquired by Google, which converted it into a web application.

Google Maps began as a C++ desktop program developed by brothers Lars and Jens Rasmussen at Where 2 Technologies.

As of 2020, Google Maps was being used by over 1 billion people every month around the world. 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, bike, air (in beta) and public transportation. Google Maps is a web mapping platform and consumer application offered by Google. C++ (back-end), JavaScript, XML, Ajax (UI)

Google earth aerial view