Google Maps Now Features 3D aerial views of Acclaimed Landmarks

Google’s 3D “immersive view” isn’t finished yet, but you can get a sneak peek of the same. Its Android and iOS versions are receiving updates that include aerial views of almost 100 iconic landmarks, including Alcatraz in San Francisco, Big Ben in London, and the Empire State Building in New York City. To produce realistic 3D views, the feature combines AI with billions of photos (including satellite and Street View photographs). Google pitches this as a tourist preview tool, but it’s also a convenient method to treat your curiosity before planning a trip.

Aerial views are available to viewers all over the world. If one is available, just locate a landmark on Google Maps and navigate to the Photos tab.

There are also two more conventional but quite useful upgrades. Google Maps’ bike navigation is being updated with more accurate routing information, such as strong automobile traffic, stairs, severe hills, and road types (such as a major thoroughfare versus a side street). You’ll also find it easy to compare routes. In the next few weeks, the biking upgrades will cover “hundreds” of cities.

Additionally, there are new location sharing notifications that notify you when a buddy arrives (or departs) a certain place. This might assist you find out when other concertgoers arrive at the venue, for example. The alerts will only be sent to users who have chosen to disclose their locations, and Google guarantees app and email reminders to ensure that customers don’t really leave sharing enabled for too long than needed.