Google Maps is expanding its AI capabilities with new developer-focused tools, including a builder agent and an MCP server, designed to help users and developers create interactive projects using Maps data. Powered by Google’s Gemini AI models, these tools allow users to generate map-based prototypes by simply describing their desired outcome in text, such as creating a Street View tour, visualizing real-time weather, or listing local amenities.
The builder agent also features a styling agent, enabling users to customize map aesthetics to match specific themes or brand requirements. Once generated, projects can be exported, previewed, and modified using Firebase Studio.
A new feature, Grounding Lite, allows developers to connect their AI models to external data sources via the Model Context Protocol (MCP), enabling AI assistants to answer location-specific questions such as distances to nearby places. Google also introduced Contextual View, a low-code component providing map, list, or 3D visualizations for query responses.
The MCP server integrates Google Maps documentation, giving developers guidance on API usage, while Gemini-powered command-line extensions make Maps data more accessible. On the consumer side, Google is incorporating more Gemini features, including hands-free navigation with AI assistance.
These tools mark a significant push by Google to make interactive and AI-powered mapping more accessible, both for developers and everyday users, integrating advanced AI functionalities into the Maps ecosystem.
