With Apple expected to announce at WWDC 2012, Monday, a new 3D map app to replace Google Maps on their iOS devices, Google has fired an early salvo at a press event by showing off their own 3D upgrades to Google Maps and Google Earth.
The new 45 degree angle, 3D images will be captured courtesy of a fleet of planes which will make its way over and above major cities throughout the world, with the goal of having the 3D maps covering areas with a population of 300 million by the end of the year. The 3D images will replace the grainy and flat satellite images that Google had used up until this point when not in Street View Mode.
The 3D upgrades were just the tip of the iceberg as far as Google Maps related announcements went. Another significant feature is the new offline access that Android users will be able to make use of. Users will be able to download maps for viewing at any time offline, allowing travellers without an overseas data plan on their mobile device to still have access to Google Maps while traversing their unknown surroundings. Notably, no support of this feature for iOS devices was announced.
In addition to offline access, Google Maps will also be going off-road, with the announcement of Street View Trekker. Trekker will allow Google staff to photograph areas that their Street View cars are unable to access, including hiking trails and ski slopes. Everything their on-foot staff members will need to perform this intriguing new service can be contained within a single backpack.
This follows the release of Nature Valley Trail View, a similar project started by General Mills for their Nature Valley product Web site. That project mapped more than 300 miles of trails and terrain contained within 3 U.S National Parks: Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains. In fact General Mills had contacted Google about a partnership, but were rebuffed, possibly because of Google's own plans for a similar service.
All of these new Google Maps features should be available in the coming weeks, including the launch of the first 3D maps for several major cities.
