In a recent announcement, Google has infused its Maps app with a host of AI capabilities, offering users a more immersive and informative navigation experience. Among the updates is the introduction of “Immersive View” for route planning, deeper integration of Google Lens for local navigation, and improved real-time information.

Google’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into everyday services is on full display with its latest Maps update. The company unveiled several machine learning enhancements for the widely-used app, promising to make your navigation experience smarter and more engaging.

Back in May, Google teased the concept of “Immersive View” for route planning at its I/O developer conference. This feature is set to revolutionize the way users view their planned routes. Whether you’re walking, cycling, taking public transportation, or driving, Immersive View allows you to explore your route with street-level, turn-by-turn visuals. Users can scrub back and forth along the path they intend to take. The feature is now available on iOS and Android for select cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo, and Venice.

However, seeing your route isn’t the only concern while navigating. Google has revamped its AI-based Search with Live View feature in Maps, making it even more useful. With a simple tap on the Lens icon in Maps, users can wave their phones to let the system determine their precise street-level location. It can then provide directions to nearby resources such as ATMs, transit stations, restaurants, coffee shops, and stores.

The overall map experience is also getting a significant upgrade. The depiction of buildings along your route will be more accurate, making it easier to orient yourself in unfamiliar cities. Additionally, lane details along complex highway interchanges will be more clearly defined in the app. These updates will roll out to users in a dozen countries, including the US, Canada, France, and Germany, over the coming months. US users will also benefit from better in-app HOV lane designations, while European customers can expect an expansion of Google’s AI speed limit sign reader technology to 20 nations.

For electric vehicle (EV) owners, Google Maps has become an integral part of their navigation. Now, with the introduction of the new Places API, drivers will have access to more information about nearby charging stations. This includes details on whether the charging plugs are compatible with their EV, the charger’s power throughput, and whether the plug has been recently used, indirectly helping users determine if the station is out of service—something that happens around 25 percent of the time.

Search functionality is also improving with this update. Soon, users will be able to search for nearby destinations based on more unique criteria, such as “animal latte art” or “pumpkin patch with my dog.” These search results are derived from the analysis of “billions of photos shared by the Google Maps community,” as mentioned in a Google blog post.