google maps launches lifelike city navigation with ‘immersive view’

Immersive view

Google Maps has introduced its immersive view, in in-depth navigation that allows users to see through and soar over a place before they visit. Thanks to the advancement of technology and the improvement of artificial intelligence, the application has managed to fuse billions of Street View and aerial images it has accumulated throughout the years to create a digital model of the streets, roads, and landmarks.

With the new feature of the application, users can experience what a neighborhood, landmark, restaurant, or venue feels and looks like as if they are already in the place before they can even get there. The feature aims to help travelers and users be more informed about the places they will go to. Rather than basing their decisions on images found online, the Google Maps update displays the surroundings of the place to the user who can navigate through the roads and streets as real as possible.

images from Google

Features of the new update

‘Say you’re planning a trip to London and want to figure out the best sights to see and places to eat. With a quick search, you can virtually soar over Westminster to see the neighborhood and stunning architecture of places, like Big Ben, up close,’ writes Miriam Daniel, VP of Google Maps.

An additional time slider gifts users the ability to check out what the area looks like at different times of day and in various weather conditions, an element that lets users prepare even more before their visit. On top of the slider, users can now also take a look at the interior of some of the restaurants and diners they are eyeing through the integrated aerial and 360° view. Other new updates include helping users find the most fuel-efficient route when they drive and the use of Live View with third-party apps.

google maps launches lifelike city navigation with ‘immersive view’

When will it be available?

‘Google Maps helps over one billion people navigate and explore. And over the past few years, our investments in AI have supercharged the ability to bring you the most helpful information about the real world, including when a business is open and how crowded your bus is. Today at Google I/O, we announced new ways the latest advancements in AI are transforming Google Maps,’ writes Daniel.

The immersive view feature works on any phone and device. Daniel shares that it will be rolled out in Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco and Tokyo later this year with more cities coming soon.

users can scan the surroundings