Is Google Maps missing out on Big Data?

Is Google maps trying to be a social network ? That was a good question, one that this article from The Verge answered it very well: Google Maps rolled out a new feature where you can create shareable lists of your favorite places available through Google’s local guides. I’m not sure if the feature is only available in the US but I couldn’t find it on my phone here in Sweden.

Another article pointed out that would be a great opportunity for advertisers — for instance, people would get offers about your favorite restaurants. Apparently, the shareable list feature was one of most requested features by users, according to the article.

But I still think Google Maps is seating on a gold mine of Big Data and doesn’t know how to use it to its full potential. They don’t even need to have introduced this new list feature, in my opinion. I think it would be too much work for users. On top of that, do people really want to know about my preferences for fast food restaurants? Or supermarkets I so my grocery shopping?

Google Maps is seating on a gold mine of  Big Data and doesn’t know how to use it to its full potential

Let’s take a look at the Timeline feature — if Google Maps can see all the places I go, they certainly can work it out my favorite places.When I go to a burger joint or supermarket chain, Google already asks for my pictures and reviews — they could send me something back.

They could send me alerts for new special offers, what’s new with the places I often go and similar info. Google Maps already give traffic info about my most used travel routes, it wouldn’t be a long stretch from that.

Of course the user could choose how often they would like to receive these type of offers — if daily, weekly or not at all.

I, myself, would love to receive these type of offers. Or even some sort of information in general. If these info came with a discount promo code would be great — everybody loves a bargain — but not necessarily.

The possibilities are endless, like a reminder for me to go to the gym — if I haven’t been in a while or if I usually travel by bike, alerts about bike accessories.

And not only to places I often go but also places that are similar to what I’m used to — other burger joints / restaurants, supermarkets, drugstores etc.

Google Maps already has an almost infinite source of info about me for instance. They just need to use it in a relevant way.

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Twitter @a_picasso.