A simple whiteboard in an apartment in Hunters Hill was the starting point for one of the most transformative digital tools in the world—Google Maps.
In the early 2000s, a small Sydney-based startup, Where 2 Technologies, worked on a new way to navigate the world. Led by Australian software engineer Noel Gordon, the team developed the foundational technology for Google Maps. Their ideas and designs were first mapped out on a whiteboard in a spare room in an apartment in Hunters Hill.
By 2004, Google saw the potential of their work and acquired Where 2 Technologies. They incorporated their innovation into what is now known as Google Maps.
Google Maps: 20 Years of Global Impact
Since its launch, Google Maps has transformed how people travel and explore. In 2024 alone, the platform provided directions covering 1 trillion kilometres—equivalent to Earth orbiting the sun over 1,000 times.
Beyond navigation, Google Maps has evolved to help users track bushfires, check air quality, compare petrol prices, and even plan trips using augmented reality. More than 500 million users contribute to its accuracy each year through reviews, ratings, and real-time updates.
Australia’s Most-Reviewed Places on Google Maps
To mark its 20th anniversary, Google Maps released a list of the most-reviewed locations in Australia. The rankings, based on user reviews, highlight the nation’s favourite eateries and attractions.
Photo Credit: Dosahut Harrispark/Instagram
- Most-Reviewed Restaurant: Dosa Hut, Harris Park, NSW (14,600 reviews, 4.61 rating)
- Most-Reviewed Café: Andonis Cafe & Bar, Yeerongpilly, QLD (8,200 reviews, 4.68 rating)
- Most-Reviewed Visitor Attraction: Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW (58,700 reviews, 4.64 rating)
- Most-Reviewed Park: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, WA (26,200 reviews, 4.8 rating)
- Most-Reviewed Museum: Melbourne Museum, Carlton, VIC (16,900 reviews, 4.63 rating)
These rankings provide a unique insight into the preferences of Australian locals and tourists, showcasing a mix of iconic attractions and hidden gems.
Legacy of Hunters Hill’s Role in Google Maps
Photo Credit: Darling Harbour/Instagram
The story of Google Maps’ origins in Hunters Hill is a testament to Australian innovation. The platform has grown into a global tool. It helps users find their way, supports businesses, enhances urban planning, and improves disaster response efforts.
As Google Maps celebrates its 20th anniversary, the significance of that simple whiteboard in a Sydney apartment remains a reminder of how big ideas often start in small places.
Published 19-Feb-2025
