Google Opens Up Google Maps Platform Data to Cities and Developers

Google announced Wednesday that it's opening up its Google Maps Platform data, making it easier for cities, developers, and business decision-makers to access information on infrastructure, traffic, and more. For the first time, Google is integrating new datasets from Google Maps Platform products—Imagery Insights, Roads Management Insights, and Places Insights—directly into BigQuery. This allows for easier access to data that can help solve various problems. For instance, telecom companies can use Imagery Insights to assess infrastructure like utility poles, road authorities can analyze traffic with Roads Management Insights, and Places Insights offers customized data on locations. Access to Earth Engine data via BigQuery also provides sustainability insights from satellite imagery, such as wildfire risk.