Clickable POIs and Sponsored Icons Debut on Google Maps

For some times Google has included the name of points of interest (POIs) directly on its online map but thus far this was only a display. Today it has changed with clickable icons that link to the Place page for those locations worldwide.

In addition to that, Google is launching a beta program of “sponsored map icons” in the United States, meaning that businesses will be able to display their own logo on the Google Map. This follows a trial done in Australia a few months ago.

“Sponsored map icons are being offered as a limited beta to companies in the U.S. with multiple locations and a well-known brand,” said Matthew Leske, Product Manager at Google.

Brands such as Target, HSBC or Public Storage can already be spotted on the map.