Google Maps “immersive view” turns Maps into a 3D, SimCity-like simulation

Google Maps “immersive view” turns Maps into a 3D, SimCity-like simulation

2 years ago
Anonymous $dy9SWuvIkX

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/05/google-maps-immersive-view-turns-maps-into-a-3d-simcity-like-simulation/

For most uses, Google Maps is a flat, 2D app, and if your device can handle more graphics and a bit more data, you can fire up the Google Earth 3D data set and get 3D buildings. At Google I/O Google has announced a new level that turns the graphics slider way, way up on Google Maps: Immersive View. When exploring an area in Google Maps, the company says Immersive View will make it "feel like you’re right there before you ever set foot inside."

The video for this feature is wild. It basically turns Google Maps into a 3D version of SimCity with AAA video game graphics. There are simulated cars that drive through the roads, and birds fly through the sky. Clouds pass overhead and cast shadows on the world. The weather is simulated, and water has realistic reflections that change with the camera. London even has an animated Ferris wheel that spins around.

Google Maps “immersive view” turns Maps into a 3D, SimCity-like simulation

May 11, 2022, 7:07pm UTC
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/05/google-maps-immersive-view-turns-maps-into-a-3d-simcity-like-simulation/ > For most uses, Google Maps is a flat, 2D app, and if your device can handle more graphics and a bit more data, you can fire up the Google Earth 3D data set and get 3D buildings. At Google I/O Google has announced a new level that turns the graphics slider way, way up on Google Maps: Immersive View. When exploring an area in Google Maps, the company says Immersive View will make it "feel like you’re right there before you ever set foot inside." > The video for this feature is wild. It basically turns Google Maps into a 3D version of SimCity with AAA video game graphics. There are simulated cars that drive through the roads, and birds fly through the sky. Clouds pass overhead and cast shadows on the world. The weather is simulated, and water has realistic reflections that change with the camera. London even has an animated Ferris wheel that spins around.