Google Maps is rolling out a range of AI-driven enhancements, such as a builder agent and an MCP server—a resource that links AI assistants to Google Maps’ technical resources—to support both developers and users in building interactive experiences with Maps data and code. According to Google, these updates are powered by Gemini models throughout.
One of the standout additions, the builder agent, functions similarly to other code generation tools by allowing you to describe the interactive, map-based prototype you want in plain language, and then automatically generating it. For example, you might enter prompts like “make a Street View tour of a city,” “build a map showing live weather in my area,” or “find pet-friendly hotels in the city.”
After your code is created, you have the option to export it, preview and test the project with your own API credentials, or further edit it within Firebase Studio.
Image Credits: Google
This tool also features a styling agent, which enables users to design maps that fit a chosen style or theme. This can be particularly useful for brands that want maps with specific color schemes.
Google already offers map data grounding through the Gemini API. Now, it is launching a comparable capability called Grounding Lite, which lets developers anchor their own AI models using the Model Context Protocol (MCP)—a standard that allows AI assistants to access external data sources.
With this addition, AI assistants can respond to queries like, “Where is the closest grocery store?” Google is also introducing Contextual View, a low-code component for Google Maps that helps users visually interpret such questions. Answers can be displayed as a list, a map, or even in 3D.
Image Credits: Google
Additionally, Google is introducing a code assistant toolkit known as the MCP server, which integrates with Google Maps’ documentation. This allows developers to quickly find guidance on using the Maps API and data. In the previous month, Google also released Gemini command line tool extensions to give developers access to Maps data.
Image credits: Google
Google is also working to expand Gemini-based features for Maps users. Just last week, it introduced hands-free Gemini integration for navigation. In India, Google has rolled out incident notifications and speed limit information in the Maps app for certain regions.
