Google updated its local search engine ranking factors/algorithm in the past few days resulting in a lot of changes in local search engine results both Google Maps and the local packs in web search.
It has happened after Google Maps GoogleBomb wrong results. It is not clear whether it is related to the Google Maps Googlebomb algorithm update or not. But most SEO forums and the marketing community believe that it is due to Google Maps bomb fix.
Google Statement:
”Building upon a key algorithmic change we developed for Google Search, we’ve started to update our ranking system to address the majority of these searches—this will gradually roll out globally and we’ll continue to refine our systems over time. Simply put, you shouldn’t see these kinds of results in Google Maps, and we’re taking steps to make sure you don’t.”
Googlebomb Fix is generally not used for Google Map listings rather it is for general search results. but the principle is the same. I have tried to make a few searches on Google.com and Google.co.in there are a lot of changes that seem to have happened.