Google has been developing an immersive 3D viewing feature for Google Maps that will provide a bird’s-eye view of notable landmarks. The new feature is being rolled out to mobile users on both Android and iOS platforms, and includes 3D images of nearly 100 famous locations around the world.
3D Immersive View is powered by Google’s artificial intelligence algorithms that take billions of Google Street View and satellite images and combine them to create a realistic 3D rendering. So far, Google has added 3D images for landmarks such as Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, Big Ben in London, and the Empire State Building in New York.
To find aerial views, search for a popular landmark on Google Maps and visit the photos section. If Google has added an immersive 3D view of the landmark, it will be available in this section.
Google says the immersive 3D view is designed to help tourists by providing a bird’s-eye view of the area for reference, without the image being too remote, like a satellite image.
In 3D, users can preview the landmark in its natural environment and more easily compare it to what they see on the ground.
But for many, the 3D Immersive View will provide an opportunity for a bit of immersive digital tourism, where they don’t have the opportunity to travel, but would still like to see a destination that’s on their bucket list.
Another feature being rolled out to Google Maps is a bike navigation option, which provides detailed route information such as traffic conditions, grades, road types, construction information and stairs. Cyclists will also be able to compare routes and see where bottlenecks are, so they can choose a faster route to their desired destination.
Finally, Google is adding a share notifications feature, so users can advise others in their group when they arrive at a certain location. It’s very similar to Apple’s Find My Friends feature, where each person has to agree to be followed and share their location. Sharing is time-dependent and based on email and the app, so once an event is over, sharing can be turned off with a simple tap, as it’s no longer necessary to follow everyone else.
Immersive 3D viewing and bike navigation will be rolled out in several cities over the coming months, with more detailed 3D imagery and information added over time. Sharing notifications should be available now, and users should turn on the feature among those in the group sharing their locations.