Google has released Maps updates in 10 European countries: Andorra, Bulgaria, Estonia, Gibraltar, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
The update, the company says, is part of a project called Ground Truth, which started back in 2008. Google explains, “Through this initiative, we acquire high-quality map data from authoritative sources around the world and then apply a mix of advanced algorithms, supplemental data (including satellite, aerial and Street View imagery), and human input to create a map that corresponds as closely as possible to the real-world facts that you’d find if you were to visit that location.”
“For example, this update adds a new 70-km section of Bulgaria’s Trakiya motorway, which opened recently to drivers but hasn’t been reflected on most maps of the region until now,” the company adds.
The update also includes walking paths, ferry lines, building outlines, park boundaries, university campuses, etc.
In related news, Google is also adding indoor imagery of tsunami-ravaged buildings in Japan to Google Maps.