The Atlantic, an online magazine, has a great article that explains exactly how Google makes Maps. The article is well written and has some really interesting technology and methods that Google uses.
This is a great resource to use to show students how ingenuity and creativity are important and how technology can be helpful, related to something that they have all used before or at least have heard about.
Check out the article and learn more: http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/09/how-google-builds-its-maps-and-what-it-means-for-the-future-of-everything/261913/
Related:
Google Maps adds Photo Tours of World Landmarks - in 3D