Google Maps will now provide “photorealistic aerial views” of almost 100 locations, the firm revealed on Wednesday. According to Google, the views, which remind me of Apple Maps’ Flyover function, provide an overhead perspective of landmarks in cities such as Barcelona, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo.
According to a blog post by Google Maps director of product Amanda Leicht Moore, the aerial views are a “first step” toward introducing the “immersive view” that the firm demonstrated at Google I/O. According to Google spokeswoman Genevieve Park, the immersive view will also feature interior views and information such as traffic and weather placed on the map. Google said at I/O that immersive view will be available in Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo “later this year.”
Aside from the aerial views, Google Maps is getting a few additional features. You’ll be able to view extra details about bicycle routes, such as if a certain road you’ll be directed to go on is a main or minor road, whether your route involves stairs or steep slopes, and whether you can anticipate encountering high traffic. In addition, if someone has shared their location with you, you will be able to get alerts when they arrive at or depart from a place. Apple’s Find My app has a similar capability.
