The decision, which will come into effect on 9 August, comes as the search giant updates its Android and iOS Maps applications, and according to the company it will help strengthen check-in and location-sharing features on Google+.

The Menlo Park-based multinational said the closure will affect Latitude in Google Maps for Android, Latitude for iPhone, the Latitude API, the public badge, the iGoogle Gadget and the Latitude website at maps.google.com/latitude.

As of 9 August users will no longer be able to share their location and will see their list of friends on Latitude disappear.

Additionally, applications that use the Latitude API will no longer be able to access a user’s location data but they will be allowed to continue to store data they have already received. Privacy and e-mail reminders will also be disabled as will check-ins from Google Maps for mobile.

Meanwhile, the company today updated its mobile apps for Google Maps, describing the changes as "exciting."

"The new Google Maps for mobile builds on the design we released for iPhone last December and improves on it with a few useful search and navigation features. And it's the first dedicated app for Android tablets and iPads. We’re also retiring Latitude and are making some changes to offline and My Maps," Director of Google Maps Daniel Graf said in a blog post.

"Helping you find great places is what we love to do. And as more of us use mobile phones and tablets in our daily lives, information that’s useful to you isn't just about what you need, but also where you might find it.

"Today’s update is an exciting step forward for Google’s maps—one that we hope will make it faster and easier for you to explore and discover places you want to go."