Google hosted a press event June 6 at its offices in San Francisco to unveil several coming new features in Google Maps.
Among those features were 3D enhancements to Google Earth. For starters, the search engine giant has added an additional element to its arsenal of cameras used in Street View.
Up until now, it used cars, trikes, snowmobiles and trolleys to capture the entire world. But now there's Street View Trekker --a camera system that's mounted on a backpack that enables Google to go into those hard to reach areas.
Here's a look at some of the other features discussed:
● 3D Imagery in Google Earth: First ever – 3D models of entire metropolitan areas to Google Earth on mobile devices. By creating 3D models based off 45-degree aerial imagery, new technology creates a more accurate and comprehensive representation of the Earth. By the end of the year Google hopes to have 3D coverage for metropolitan areas with a combined population of 300 million people.
● Offline Google Maps for Android: Available offline for Android users in more than 100 countries in the next few weeks. This means that the next time you are on the subway, or don’t have a data connection, you can still use our maps.
● Street View Trekker: There’s a whole wilderness out there that is only accessible by foot. Trekker solves that problem by enabling us to photograph beautiful places such as the Grand Canyon so anyone can explore them. All the equipment fits in this one backpack.
● Map Maker: Expansion of Map Maker to South Africa and Egypt, and will go to 10 more countries in the next few weeks.
To make it all happen, Google makes use of an automated process to generate very detailed models from 45-degree aerial photos. The company actually commissioned a fleet of planes to do the job.
The features will be available on both Android and iOS devices in a matter of weeks
Incidentally, Apple is working on its own competitor to the Google Maps program. The Wall Street Journal reports, Apple will roll out a new Maps app for iPhones and iPads this year.
Right now, most iPhone users have Google Maps as the default navigator.
Analysts say the move could be a major power play move as the tech giants compete for users.
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