What is VPS feature that helps navigate indoor locations in Google maps?

In navigation, traditional GPS (Global Positioning System) often struggles in dense urban areas or indoor environments (like airports, malls, and transit stations) because line-of-sight to satellites is blocked by roofs or tall buildings. To overcome this limitation, Google Maps utilizes VPS (Visual Positioning Service).

VPS uses your smartphone's camera along with computer vision and machine learning algorithms to determine your precise location. It analyzes your visual surroundings—comparing the visual features of buildings, signs, and storefronts against Google’s extensive database of Street View imagery—to figure out exactly where you are and which way you are facing. This technology powers features like Live View and indoor directions, making indoor navigation highly accurate.