14 DAY TRIAL // Google is finally comfortable enough with its Google Earth web browser plugin to include in Google Maps. The new Earth View in Maps enables users to view a full 3D version of any location on Earth. Google has been making an effort to have as many 3D buildings as possible and plenty of cities around the world are now modeled in three dimensions.
“Today we are proud to announce the next major step in the marriage between Google Earth and Google Maps -- Earth view,” Brian McClendon, VP of engineering, Google Geo, wrote. “Those of you who aren’t as familiar with Google Earth might be wondering how Earth view differs from the satellite view that’s currently available in Maps. First of all, Earth view offers a true three-dimensional perspective, which lets you experience mountains in full detail, 3D buildings, and first-person dives beneath the ocean. The motion is fluid, and you can see the world from any viewpoint.”
The Google Earth Application was launched five years ago and, since then, its features and data have gotten more complete. All terrain is modeled in 3D, though not always with the best accuracy, creating an impressive representation of major landforms, even below the sea level. It’s a powerful app, but Google doesn’t like desktop tools all that much.
The Google Earth plugin was launched a couple of years ago, enabling any site to embed Google Earth data and functionality. It has been picked up by developers and for Google uses on numerous occasions. But, until now, it’s been missing from the most obvious place, Google Maps.
With the new Earth View, users get almost all of the Google Earth functionality in their browsers, like full-3D terrain and buildings or navigation, within Google Maps. Users can easily switch between the Map or Satellite modes and Earth mode.
The only drawback is that it requires the Google Earth plugin to be installed. It’s only available for Windows and Mac and just a few browsers, no Google Chrome support on Mac, for example. Hopefully, as WebGL matures, it will be able to replace the plugin, making it available in all browsers that would support HTML5 and WebGL, on any platforms. And, just in case you’re worried, Google Earth will continue to be supported.