Google Maps begins updating administrative map of Vietnam
VOV.VN - Google Maps has begun updating administrative boundaries in some provinces and cities in Vietnam, more than eight months after the merger of provinces and cities.
On the morning of March 18, many users found that the platform had updated maps based on the new administrative boundaries. The updated place names are accessible on both Google’s website and its smartphone app without requiring an update. For example, a search for Phu Tho shows the new boundaries, including areas previously part of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc and Hoa Binh.
However, the update has so far appeared only in some locations. In other provinces and cities, maps still display previous boundaries or return no results for certain searches. Boundaries at commune and district levels also remain based on earlier data. Google has not commented on the update.
The changes come more than eight months after Vietnam merged provinces and cities, reducing the total from 63 to 34, while the number of communes and wards fell from around 10,000 to more than 3,300.
In recent months, various services, particularly delivery platforms, have updated these place names, mainly in text form. Many users expect mapping applications such as Google Maps to update, allowing searches to align with the new administrative system.
Earlier, in a technical document published on IssueTracker, a system for tracking official changes for the developer community, Google said it planned to implement changes in mid-February and advised developers to update their APIs to use Google Maps Platform services.
Google Maps Platform provides base map data for Google Maps and a range of digital services, including location search, ride-hailing and delivery. Changes to the platform can affect how addresses are displayed and processed across user-facing applications.
Minh Quan, a technology engineer involved in developing applications using Google Maps, said that when place classification changes, services such as location search, deal with suggestions and positioning may not synchronise immediately.
He added that updating map data is necessary to match actual conditions, but may cause short-term disruption. Users may encounter both old and new addresses displayed at the same time during a transition period.
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