I have only recently noticed something new with Google Maps – a 3D model view. Off in the upper right corner of a map view, there’s this tab called “Earth“.

When you click it, it runs the Google Earth engine, and shows you the map of the area in 3D! Yes, like in flight sims, where buildings are full 3D models, but the rest of the terrain is flat 2D representations. However if you rotate your POV, you can actually see the relief of the terrain – knolls, hills, mountains, and such.

In the video above, I zoomed in on Singapore’s CBD area – Raffles place and nearby locations like the Esplanade and Suntec City. The downside is, not all of Singapore is in 3D. Only parts where people have taken the trouble to model it will show up as 3D. In other areas it’s just like the satellite view, except that you can rotate around the map unlike the standard static options.

Google encourages people to make 3D models of their neighbourhood via the SketchUp tool too.

If you were to look at New York City, you’ll see that some parts of New York are full-blown 3D models. People there actually took the trouble to model their entire city block or even districts into full 3D, including bridges and monuments!

I thought street view was cool, until 3D came along 🙂

Related articles by Zemanta

• Google Earth Tab in Google Maps (googlesystem.blogspot.com)
• WOW ! Google Maps now shows 3D imagery with Google Earth! (trak.in)
• Google Earth View Now in Google Maps (mashable.com)
• Google integrates Earth into Maps service (v3.co.uk)