As Google has explained, the speed limit display is finally coming to Germany. German citizens had to wait four years for the feature. An AI now helps to display precise speed limits.
The search engine manufacturer Google has been offering the free-to-use Google Maps service since 2005. In addition to the integration of satellite images from Google Earth, there is now also offline navigation for certain, pre-downloaded regions of a country. In 2019, the Mountain View company celebrated the integration of speed limits into its digital mapping service. However, this feature was only available in the USA, the Netherlands and Italy. It wasn’t until four years later that drivers in Germany also had the opportunity View speed limits on Google Maps allow.
How AI helps with speed limits
According to Spiegel Online it will new feature now staggered in Google Maps on iOS and Android rolled out. The speed limit display should be available to all users in the next few months. This also includes car owners from Renault, Volvo, Polestar and Co. whose in-vehicle infotainment system uses Android Auto OS with Google Maps. Google uses an AI and pattern recognition technology to be able to record speed limits with additional signs. For example, photos from Street View are analyzed to store time-dependent speed limits in Google Maps. For example, if the 30 km/h speed limit only applies on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. and this traffic sign is visible on Street View, the AI records this and immediately integrates this information into Google Maps. The charging planner has been revised especially for drivers of electric cars, so that it is now clear at what charging speed a charging station can charge the electric car.
Google Street View has been driving through Germany again since July 2023. In 2010, there was an outcry in the Federal Republic of Germany and many properties had to be defaced. Consequently, Google discontinued rides in 2011. However, a lot has happened in the last 12 years – just not with Street View. Not even the Munich Google office could be found in Street View. There is also already an immersive map for Berlin.
Also worth reading: Google Street View: Brand new images for Germany
Collection of speed limit displays in Germany:
- As Google has announced, Google Maps is now getting the speed limit display in Germany, after the feature has been available in the USA for years.
- The rollout will be staggered over the next few months.
- In order to store time-dependent speed limits in Google Maps, Google uses AI and images of the traffic signs.
Sources: Google, Mirror online