Google brings Gemini-powered ‘Ask Maps’ feature to India: How you can use it and other details

Google Maps

• Google Maps introduces Ask Maps, an AI chat feature
• Users can ask detailed questions for tailored local suggestions.
• Ask Maps rolls out in India and US, Hindi support coming soon

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Google is adding a new AI-powered capability to Google Maps that turns local discovery and navigation into a conversational experience. The feature, called Ask Maps, combines the company’s Gemini AI models with Google Maps’ vast database of locations, reviews and real-world information.

The idea is to let users ask complex, real-world questions directly inside Maps and receive personalised answers, rather than relying on traditional search queries or browsing through lists of locations.

According to Lalitha Ramani, general manager of Google Maps India, the feature represents the next step in how people interact with digital maps.

“Today we’re bringing together the world’s most comprehensive digital map with our most capable Gemini models to transform local exploration into a simple conversation,” Ramani said in a blog post announcing the feature.

Turning navigation into a conversation

With Ask Maps, users can ask detailed questions using either voice or text. For example, someone commuting across a city could ask whether driving or taking public transport would be faster at that moment, and also request suggestions for coffee stops along the route.

Google Maps will then generate directions, compare travel options based on real-time traffic and estimated travel times, and suggest relevant stops along the way.

The feature draws on Google Maps’ extensive dataset, which includes information from more than 300 million places and contributions from over 500 million users worldwide.

Planning outings and trips

Google says Ask Maps is also designed to help with more complex planning scenarios. Instead of manually searching through reviews and multiple locations, users can describe the type of experience they want. For instance, someone planning to watch a sports match might ask for restaurants serving vegetarian appetizers that also stream live games.

The AI will highlight suitable places along with insights drawn from reviews and web information, such as the atmosphere during match days, popular dishes or the availability of valet parking.

Similarly, users planning a weekend with visiting family members can ask for recommendations tailored to specific needs. A query about places suitable for senior citizens visiting Mumbai for the first time, for example, might return locations with minimal walking or easier accessibility.

Personalised recommendations

Ask Maps also personalises results using information from a user’s Maps activity. This includes places previously searched for or saved in the app. If a user who typically prefers vegetarian food asks for restaurant suggestions in Bengaluru, for instance, Maps can automatically prioritise vegetarian-friendly options.

Once users find a place they like, Google Maps integrates actions directly within the experience. They can save locations, book reservations where available, or start navigation immediately.

The goal, Google says, is to reduce the steps between discovering a place and actually going there.

Ask Maps is beginning to roll out in India in English on both Android and iOS, alongside its launch in the United States. Support for Hindi is expected to arrive soon.

Google says combining Gemini with its mapping data will unlock new ways for people to explore cities, plan trips and navigate everyday journeys.