Google to combine Maps and Waze teams

Google, owned by Alphabet Inc., plans to merge its teams working on Maps products and the mapping service Waze with effect from December 9, reports said.

The decision to consolidate processes comes as the search giant is facing pressure to streamline operations and cut costs. The restructuring is expected to reduce overlapping work across the Waze and Maps products.

Waze’s more than 500 employees will be merged with Google’s Geo organization, which oversees Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View products.

Waze is a more driver-focused app, while Google Maps is much more comprehensive and provides navigation for anyone.