The Truth About When Google Maps Updates

Google Maps is the most used navigation app among map users across the globe. It has become a part of our lives, especially for those who are always on the go. From deliveries to bars and restaurants, almost every business has started accepting online bookings with Google Maps as the primary source for directions. However, there have been many questions regarding how often Google Maps updates. How up-to-date are its lists of businesses? Are they correct at all times? Let’s explore more about Google Maps and why its data is inconsistent a lot of times.

Is Google Earth in real-time?

Google Earth isn’t real-time, there’s no way they could keep up with that many data points. It is, however, frequently updating and you could certainly see edits and changes as they happen.

How Often Does Google Maps Update Street View?

Google Maps performs routine updates on its navigation data, the businesses listed on Google Maps, and the images used for Google Street View. They typically refresh their data every few weeks, although it can happen within a few days. These updates are done to reflect the most current information available. However, Google Maps’ data is only as accurate as the information provided by third parties. Additionally, the timings at which Google Maps updates data vary depending on the type of data. Generally, the following data types are updated more frequently than others:

• Business data (hours of operation, phone numbers, etc.)
• Transit data (timings of bus, train, and subway locations)
• Driving directions (routes, instructions, etc.)

Why Is There a Delay in Google Maps Updating Timings?

Timings such as hours of operation, business details such as phone numbers, and the opening and closing times of businesses are all contributed by third-party users. The timings are not all manually corrected by the owners of the business; instead, the public contributes this information directly.

For example, a diner near you could be incorrectly listed as open 24/7. If you correct that on Google Maps, it might take several weeks for your update to go live on the app. This delay is due to Google’s verification process. Google has a team of contractors who manually verify the information submitted by the public. This is done across the globe, so regardless of where you try to modify, it may take a few weeks for it to go live on Google Maps.

How To Check If Your Area Has Been Updated

The easiest way to check if your area has been updated is by zooming out on a map of your city and looking for the orange “difference” markers. Orange markers indicate that there has been an update to the Google Maps data. In addition, you can also search for your city’s name on Google and click on the “Maps” tab to see if there are any updates. If there are any updates, they will be displayed on the right-hand side of the Maps page.

3 Key Factors That Affect The Timings of When Google Maps Are Updated

1. Data Quality: If the data quality is low, it can result in incorrect information on the app. If the information is incorrect, Google Maps might take longer to update it.
2. User Contributions: If there has been an increase in the number of contributions from the public, it can delay the timings of when Google updates its data.
3. Routine Maintenance: Google performs routine maintenance on the data to keep it up-to-date. Google may take longer to make changes to the data if it’s undergoing maintenance.

Will Google Maps Work Offline?

Yes. However, you can only do so when you have downloaded the map data in its current state. Doing so means you will have no access to the most recent changes made on the map. You can also use it to store your favorite locations and make calls to the current phone numbers on it. Check out how to download offline Google Maps here.

By now, you should know that Google never wants a brief offline session to take us away from using their services. That’s why there’s a dragon game on your Chrome browser when your device is offline. You can even access Google Docs when you’re offline.

How Do You Find Out When a Google Maps Image Was Taken?

You can click on the “info” button while looking at a picture in Google Maps and click on the “view larger” button that appears on the right. Once you have the image enlarged, you can look at the top right corner of the image. There, you’ll find the date and time when the image was taken.

How Do I Update The Picture Of My House On Google Maps?

While you cannot change the image used for your house, you can change the description of your house. To do this, click on the “more” button on the bottom left corner of the Google Maps screen. You’ll see a tab that says “describe your house”. Click on that and enter the address of your house.

Why Are Some Houses Blurred Out On Google Maps?

There are two reasons why Google Maps may blur out a particular house. First, Google Maps may blur out the house if they’ve received a legal request to do so. The other reason is if the house has been incorrectly identified as a certain address. 

Can I Unblur My House on Google Maps?

If Google Maps has blurred out your house, you can request them to remove the blurring. You can do so by visiting their “My Business” page and clicking on “correct an error”. You can also contact Google Maps directly by clicking on the “feedback” button at the bottom right corner of the app.

What Countries Are Not On Google Maps?

Google Maps are available in more than 200 countries across the globe. However, not all countries have the same level of detail. For example, the maps for Brazil, Japan, and Thailand are extremely detailed with street names, building numbers, and even (Japanese) public toilets listed. While the maps for other countries might have a few buildings listed, they don’t have the same level of detail. They might not even have the names of buildings listed.

Conclusion

Google is constantly updating its maps (and other products) to fix mistakes and add new features. However, it can take a long time before your area is updated. If you notice an error, you can report it directly from the app. If you spot an area that hasn’t been updated, you can zoom out to see if there are orange “difference” markers. If there are, you can click on them and report the mistake. The better Google Maps are, the more likely we are to use them. Accurate, real-time data allows users to make better decisions, save time, and be safer. With these tips, you can make sure that Google Maps is working for you instead of against you.