From humble beginnings in a Sydney spare bedroom to becoming the world’s most popular online mapping platform, Google Maps has come a long way. With over 2 billion users worldwide, its impact on modern navigation is undeniable.
Stephen Ma, one of the four co-founders of Google Maps, has spoken out about his role in creating the world’s most popular online mapping platform. In a rare interview, ‘Ma revealed that he and his colleagues had been working on a startup called Where 2 Technologies from a spare bedroom in Sydney.’
Google Maps was first launched in 2005 as a web-based mapping service.
It quickly gained popularity for its accurate directions and satellite imagery.
In 2007, the iPhone's App Store introduced the Google Maps app, making it easily accessible on mobile devices.
Since then, Google Maps has continued to evolve with features like real-time traffic updates, street view, and offline navigation.
Today, it is one of the most widely used mapping services globally, available in over 220 countries and territories.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Phenomenon
Ma’s story began in Cooma, New South Wales, where his family ran a Chinese restaurant for 20 years. As a child, Ma spent a lot of time playing video games and learning how to program on an Apple II computer. After graduating from university, Ma worked in Silicon Valley during the dotcom boom and later returned to Sydney.
The Birth of Google Maps
In 2004, Ma met with Noel Gordon, a former colleague, who introduced him to Jens and Lars ‘Rasmussen, two Danish brothers who were working on a new type of mapping platform.’ The four partners formed Where 2 Technologies and began building a Windows application program called Expedition. They presented their demo to Sequoia Capital, but it was rejected due to the launch of Yahoo Maps’ SmartView feature.
A Second Chance with Google
The Where 2 team was introduced to Google, which showed interest in their product but only if it could be adapted for use on the web. Ma and his colleagues scrambled together a web version using Ajax techniques, which gave the sense of dynamic motion that is now characteristic of online mapping platforms.
Google has made over 200 acquisitions since its inception in 1998.
Notable acquisitions include Android (2005) for $50 million, Waze (2013) for $966 million, and Nest Labs (2014) for $3.2 billion.
These purchases have expanded Google's offerings into new markets, such as mobile operating systems and smart home devices.
The majority of Google's acquisitions are small startups, with an average purchase price of around $20 million.
Google’s Acquisition and the Rise of Google Maps
Google hired the Where 2 team and subsequently bought their intellectual property for an undisclosed price. The exact sale price has never been revealed, but it is estimated to be around $66 million. Since then, shares in Alphabet have surged, with a single share worth about $190-$200.
The Impact of Google Maps
Google Maps has become an essential service, used by over 2 billion people worldwide. It has also powered countless third-party platforms, including Airbnb and Uber. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of commercialisation and data mining on users’ privacy. Ma acknowledges these concerns but believes that awareness is key.
Google Maps has revolutionized navigation, providing users with accurate directions and real-time traffic updates.
Since its launch in 2005, the platform has become an essential tool for daily commutes, road trips, and package deliveries.
According to a study by the US Department of Transportation, Google Maps reduces travel times by up to 12% and decreases fuel consumption by 10%.
Additionally, the platform's Street View feature has improved urban planning, allowing cities to assess infrastructure needs and make data-driven decisions.
A Legacy of Teamwork
Ma credits Jens and Lars Rasmussen with coming up with the idea for Google Maps, but also acknowledges the contributions of others who were overlooked in the origin story. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration in creating successful products.
A New Venture and a Reflection on Success
Since leaving Google 14 years ago, Ma has worked on several startups, including Reggie Health, which uses AI to automate administrative tasks for healthcare providers. Despite his success with Google Maps, Ma remains humble and focused on tackling problems and finding solutions.
