New Google Maps Feature - 2.5D Buildings
Google is yet again adding features to Google Maps which bring it closer to Google Earth. In February Google added building outlines to major cities when you zoom in close. Now Google has added 2.5D buildings to some of those cities for Google Maps.
Context & Ripple Effects
Google Maps had added building outlines in major cities in February 2007; the new 2.5D layer turns part of that footprint data into a more spatial visual experience. It matters because Google is narrowing the presentation gap between its browser-based map and Google Earth without requiring users to leave Maps.
First-order effects
- Google Maps users in the covered cities gain building-height cues and a more recognizable city view, while Google makes its web mapping product visually closer to Google Earth.
Second-order effects
- Google Earth loses some differentiation for users whose needs are limited to viewing urban buildings in a browser, increasing the value of features that remain distinct to each product.
Third-order effects
- If Google continues moving Earth-style visualization into Maps, web mapping will compete increasingly on layered geographic context rather than on flat street and place data alone.
The trend: Google is converging browser-based mapping and richer geographic visualization by bringing more dimensional map layers into Google Maps.