In what year was Google Maps launched?

Google Maps was launched in 2005.

Google announced the web-based mapping service on February 8, 2005. Its development grew from technology created by Where 2 Technologies, an Australian company founded by Lars and Jens Rasmussen, Noel Gordon, and Stephen Ma. Google acquired Where 2 Technologies in 2004 and transformed its desktop mapping concept into a browser-based product.

Google also strengthened Maps through related acquisitions. Keyhole's satellite-imaging technology helped shape Google Earth and contributed geospatial capabilities, while ZipDash supplied traffic-analysis technology. These elements helped Google Maps become more than a basic digital street atlas, adding satellite imagery, directions, business information, and later live traffic data.

A common mix-up is confusing the main Google Maps launch with later releases. The Google Maps API arrived in June 2005, the first mobile version appeared later that year, and the Android app came in 2008. Those milestones belong to the service's expansion, not its original launch.