Google Maps essentially uses two Graph algorithms – Dijkstra’s algorithm and A* algorithm, to calculate the shortest distance from point A (Source) to point B (destination). A graph data structure is essentially a collection of nodes that are defined by edges and vertices.
We want to reach the target cell (if possible) from the starting cell as quickly as possible. Here A* search algorithm found its use in Google Maps.
How does Google map work?
It is formulated in terms of weighted graphs in case of google map this weight is travel time. Starting from a specific node (source node) of a graph, it constructs a tree of paths starting from that node, expanding paths one step at a time, until one of its paths ends at the predetermined destination node.
This of course begs the inquiry “What is Google Maps?”
Com Google Maps is a Web-based service that provides detailed information about geographical regions and sites around the world. In addition to conventional road maps, Google Maps offers aerial and satellite views of many places.
Another thing we asked ourselves was, does Google Maps cost money to use?
We discovered note: Google doesn’t charge you to use Google Maps, but the Google Maps app uses your phone or tablet’s data connection, and your mobile service provider might charge you for data usage. The latest version of Google Maps work with the following operating systems and browsers.
One common answer is, in addition to conventional road maps, Google Maps offers aerial and satellite views of many places. In some cities, Google Maps offers street views comprising photographs taken from vehicles. Google Maps offers several services as part of the larger Web application, as follows.
To use the full Google Maps with 3D imagery and Earth view, you need the latest version of one of these operating systems: Mac OS 10.12.0 and up Windows 7 and up Chrome OS with an Intel CPU.
How does Google Maps find the shortest path between two points?
There exist many variants for this algorithm. The original algorithm found the shortest path between two nodes, whereas the variant fixes a single node as the source and then finds the shortest path to other nodes. And this is the concept that is implemented by Google Maps to calculate and show us the shortest path between two points.