How Google Maps Cut 700 Colors to 25 for Simpler, More Accurate Maps

1. Project Kickoff

The redesign began when the team realized that Google Maps, after 15 years, still used more than 700 colors, making the map hard to read and inconsistent. By adopting new satellite technology and a minimalist approach, they aimed to simplify the color palette.

2. Problem – Too Many Colors

Analysis of the code revealed over 700 distinct colors, many of which failed to convey terrain accurately. Issues included:

Colors not matching real-world features (e.g., tundra shown as light gray instead of dark gray).

Different terrains sharing the same color, reducing distinguishability.

Similar terrains represented by multiple colors, causing redundancy.

There was no systematic color system in place.

3. Solution – Exploring a New Color System

The team ran experiments to understand why existing colors were chosen and to test new palettes aligned with Material Design. They started with small‑scale tests, such as consolidating forest colors, and incorporated personal observations of natural environments to guide color choices.

Hundreds of sketches and experiments were conducted for elements like water, deserts, and urban areas, ensuring that colors reflected both scientific accuracy and emotional resonance.

Custom tools were built to evaluate usability, checking contrast between land, water, text, and vegetation.

4. Final Result

The new palette reduced complexity while improving contrast and recognizability of features such as roads and boundaries. The updated colors better reflect the world’s diversity and create a stronger connection between users and their environment.