Ask HN: What is Google doing with GIS data?

About 2 months ago at a startup demo event a programmer mentioned to me that Google was working on new GIS algorithms but he couldn't say much else. I got the impression he got the data second handed, and offhanded.

A few weeks later I spoke with a a trusted contact who is a project manager for a company who is working on GIS data. I asked about the Google rumor and they responded affirmatively saying yes, Google is and their company is actually working with them. He refused to give any details.

So what's Google doing with GIS?

Disclaimer: I have never worked at or applied for Google.