Google Maps Platform is a set of mapping solution APIs and SDKs that allows developers to embed Google Maps into mobile tools, apps, and web pages, or to retrieve data from Google Maps. Depending on your needs, you may find yourself using one or a combination of these APIs and SDKs.

Google owns both mapping apps as they acquired Waze in 2013 but kept it as a separate app with separate developers that focused on different features. While both apps provide the same basic functionality and utility, significant differences may appeal to you based on how you use a mapping app.

Like most of Google's products, Google Maps makes money off of advertising. Businesses can list their ads on Google Maps, even creating profiles that allow their businesses to be found more easily. In addition, Google Maps allows businesses to use APIs for navigation, tracking, and mapping, all of which it charges for.

However, leaving the setting on for a prolonged time period will lead to Google Maps displaying a timeline that presents information about a person's daily movements. These findings establish the fact that “Google spying on you” has been confirmed by the researchers, according to an AP report.