Google is rolling out several updates for Google Maps and Google Earth designed to help users better understand the dynamic changes in the world around them.
One of the key updates involves Google Maps’ Street View. According to a post on Google’s Keyword blog, users can now explore new imagery across nearly 80 countries, enhancing their virtual adventures in places such as Bosnia, Namibia, Liechtenstein, and Paraguay, among others.
This expansion is made possible by new camera technology that Google first revealed in 2022. These new cameras can be mounted on any vehicle, making it easier to capture Street View imagery in more locations.
As a result, Google continues to enhance Street View across regions like Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, and the Philippines, offering users improved virtual experiences.
The Street View expansion officially launched on September 25, so users should be on the lookout for this update.
In addition to Maps, Google Earth is also getting a major update. Soon, users will be able to access a new “historical imagery” feature on the web version of Google Earth.
This feature allows users to view up to 80 years of satellite and aerial imagery to track the planet’s geographical changes.
Although 80 years ago takes us to the 1940s, some cities like London, Berlin, and Paris will offer imagery dating back to the 1930s.
Moreover, Google has announced that researchers and organizations will soon be able to create custom maps, which can be showcased directly on Google Earth’s homepage, making collaboration easier and more efficient.
In a related improvement, Google is enhancing image quality across both Google Maps and Google Earth. Thanks to the introduction of Cloud Score Plus AI, users will now experience sharper, clearer images.
This AI technology is designed to detect clouds, mist, fog, and haze while maintaining the earth’s weather patterns, ensuring that images remain consistent and accurate.
Earlier this summer, Google introduced a major user interface update for Android users that featured a “sheet-based” design.
This new style allows users to have more control over the information displayed on their screens, helping them focus on what’s most important.
Google is also planning to integrate more AI into Maps to improve location searches by providing pre-set questions and the ability for users to add their own.
Additional features, such as wildfire alerts, were introduced in July. These alerts use satellite data and Google’s AI models to display the size and severity of wildfires, allowing users to take timely action and stay safe.
