Around the world, Google mapped around 1.6 billion buildings and over 60 million kilometers of roads to date. The company is using computer vision and neural networks to detect buildings at scale from satellite images. Globally, over 20% of the buildings on Google Maps have been detected using these new techniques.
During the Google I/O 2022 Conference, the company revealed the Immersive View, a new experience in Google Maps. This feature will start rolling out in Google Maps for select cities globally later this year. With the new immersive view, you’ll be able to experience what a neighborhood, landmark, restaurant, or popular venue is like — and even feel like you’re right there before you ever set foot inside.
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. Looking for a spot for lunch? Glide down to street level to explore nearby restaurants and see helpful information, like live busyness and nearby traffic. You can even look inside them to quickly get a feel for the vibe of the place before you book your reservation. The best part? Immersive view will work on just about any phone and device. It starts rolling out in Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo later this year with more cities coming soon.
