Using AI in Maps

December 14, 2022December 14, 2022 Angela Karadog 0 Comments

Target audience – Secondary Education students from 1^st to 3^rd grade of High School

Age Group – 16 to 18

Short overview of scenario

AI is on the rise of many industries and of course there would be no interactive maps without using AI. In this scenario, we will look at how map applications make use of AI, and which are the AI components of these applications.

AI is a crucial part of Google Maps, but… why does it make so easily accessible and user friendly; roads are mapped over 10 times faster than five years ago, and they are full of useful information, such as traffic conditions, to virtually every corner of the world. In this learning scenario, we will find out how AI works in the background of this application.

Scenario description

In this learning scenario, students will be able to get an insight on how AI works in terms of Google maps and how it gives us exact information and details on traffic conditions. Additionally, they will be able to find out how Live View works and how they can use it better for their benefit. In general, the learners will receive accurate and factual information by the teacher about how AI works in the background in such applications. Last, but not least, they will sharpen their critical way of thinking and learn why AI is necessary in our daily routines, especially when using digital tools and applications.

Scenario Objectives

Students can realize the meaning of the AI
Students to realize how AI works in maps
Students can identify the “hidden” AI parts in maps applications

Requirements

Each student should:

1. have access to a computer (PC, laptop) or a Smartphone

2. have Internet access

3. download the Google maps application

Outline plan

Activity 1	Using Google Maps app. Subject: Traffic conditions & routes
Timing	45 minutes
Methods	Students carrying out a practical activity
What the tutor is doing	Directing students to proper use of Google Maps. The teacher:indicates the students to open the application on their smartphones/ PCs.gives directions to the students on how to use the app and what to look forindicates the students to pick a route randomly and guess how the app works and how it collects feedback for the traffic and route conditionsasks each group of students to present their ideas and thoughtsAt the end of the activity, the teacher presents the correct answers and fives feedback how AI works in Google maps.After that the teachers recaps with a video on how AI works in maps.
What the learners are doing	In groups of two (2), the students will work by following the teacher’s instructors. The students: open the Google Maps app, look for a random route check the traffic conditions, try to guess how the app works and how it collects feedback for the traffic and route condition, present their opinions to the teacher.
Equipment and Support	Computers/ laptops/ smartphones with internet access
Link to AI@School Curriculum	AI and existing technologies. Understand and recognise where AI is already commonly used.
Assessment of/for learning	Ability of students to think to the right direction and guess/ find valid information.The teacher gives feedback according to the students’ replies and indicates the correct answers and information
Resources/links/relevant content/Examples	Google Maps 101: How AI helps predict traffic and determine routes (blog.google)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQJ3HmVtN4w

Activity 2	Discussion about how AI works on Live View on Google Maps app
Timing	45 minutes
Methods	Teacher proposes a potential situation, and the learners discuss this in groups
What the tutor is doing	The teacher explains the situation:“Imagine that you are in a foreign country, and you need to travel by train to reach your final destination. However, you have no idea about where each venue/store is located in the train station. How would use your smartphone to find the elevators, restrooms, and an ATM machine?” After students presenting their ideas in groups, the teacher directs them to the correct information
What the learners are doing	The students are divided in groups of two. They discuss about:- whether it is actually beneficial to get AI to find the information they need rather than finding it for themselves- in which way they will use AI to reach their goal. After completing the task, the students present in groups their findings and thoughts
Equipment and Support	Computers/ laptops/ smartphones with internet access
Link to AI@School Curriculum	AI and existing technologies. Understand and recognise where AI id already commonly used.
Assessment of/for learning	Did they understand the point of carrying out the activity?Did they see a benefit in doing it for themselves? How does AI help in terms of giving live directions & live street views?
Resources/links/relevant content/Examples	Google Maps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL29sA9w5M0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOmgkjz-EJY

Our notes from practice

Based on the two activities, the students will have the opportunity to have a closer look at how AI works practically and why it is functional and an integral part of our lives in this modern world. The students will be able to make their own research and learn where AI is “hidden” in such cases. This will be succeeded also through discussions and conversations with the teacher who will be the one responsible for providing them with the right way of thinking as well as correct information on AI subjects. In this way, the learners will feel more confident when using such apps and talking about AI.

Toolkit

Title: Google maps secrets. How exactly does Google maps work?URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQJ3HmVtN4wShort Description: A short video explaining how Google maps works and it gives accurate t information on traffic conditions

Title: How to use Live View in Google maps / PixelURL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL29sA9w5M0 Short Description: A short video on how to use Live View on Google maps and navigate better on Android devices.

Title: How to use Live View in Google maps URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOmgkjz-EJYShort Description: A short video on how to use Live View on Google maps and navigate better

Curriculum Constructs

AI@School Curriculum Area

AI and Existing Technologies – Understand and recognise where AI is already commonly used

Credits

Authors; Attwell, G., Bekiaridis, G., Blatsios, S., De Smet, G., Gerrard, A., Rennie, I., Orcasitas-Vicandi, M., Roman, G., Sapountzi, M., Schevernels, M.

AI@School is a project co-funded by the European Commission via Erasmus+

This publication reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.