The changes will make it more difficult for people to make custom maps using Google's software, but it doesn't appear likely to mean much to state and local government.

As for Google Maps, Google said on stage during its keynote presentation that an offline search mode and offline turn-by-turn voice navigation is coming soon.

Google launched its latest sustainability tool, a series of environmental geospatial APIs that help cities, businesses, and other partners map solar, air quality, and pollen data worldwide.

Google, in an attempt to help people account for this airborne inconvenience when embarking on outings and making travel plans, has added a tool called Pollen API to its Maps platform.