How Does Google Maps Work?

Searching the Map

When users first navigate to the Google Maps web application, they see a broad map of the United States along with a search box at the top of the window. When they type an address or general location into the search field, Google sends the entry to its global servers and searches for the closest location match. The corresponding location data is then retrieved from TeleAtlas, the source of the map imagery in Google Maps. The application renders the corresponding map from TeleAtlas into the main frame of the window and places a visual pointer on the exact location that was searched.

Finding a Business

The search field in Google Maps also combines the powerful indexing of generic Google web searches. Users can not only search for addresses and locations, but also businesses in specific areas. When a user enters a type of business and a general location into the search box, Google Maps searches the web for a matching entry. When the application locates an appropriate business, it also searches for the company's address and then grabs the corresponding map imagery.

Finding Directions

In addition to searching for locations or business, Google Maps enables users to find driving or walking directions between two addresses of their choice. When users enter direction mode, they can type two or more addresses into the search fields and then begin looking for directions. Google's map servers store millions of potential route combinations, which are then sorted through to find the fastest directions between the submitted locations. Once a route has been determined, Google Maps displays an image of the entire trip and draws a line along the selected route.