Google Map's Newest Update Provides 3D Views, Offline Mode and More!

[danDroid]

There's going to be a new update to the Google Map App for the Android and it gets some amazing new features! First, the new maps load faster because the new vector based drawing uses 100 times less data than previously. Furthermore, this new feature adds new functionality as well. The vector based dynamic rendering method allows the view of the city to go 3D when zoomed in, and you can even tilt and rotate the building view!

Another new feature is that it uses the Android's built-in compass to orient the view based on the position of the person holding the phone. It even offers offline caching for those times when you need to recheck a route you've used before, but don't really need to get online again. Thanks to Android Chief Andy Rubin for giving us this preview at the D Mobile Conference. This is pretty exciting stuff! I don't know about you guys, but Google Map has always been one of my favorite apps for the Android.

Now, just what phones are expected to support 100% of these new features you ask? According to Engadget, the Samsung Fascinate, Motorola Droid, Motorola Droid X, Motorola Droid 2, HTC Droid Incredible are among the Verizon Android Phones that will reap the benefits.

by dgstorm

 

[Jaxidian]

Offline support will be great! I hope we can choose regions to keep cached with occasional updating syncs.

 

[diverbelow]

I can't wait for the offline support as well.

 

[kenbiz]

Sounds great. Can't wait to try this out.

 

[SGTiger]

I know we can get 3d versions of terrain due to USGS data, but how are they getting building heights?

 

[jroc]

Offline mode ftw...

Co Pilot can stay on the backburner for now...thats was the only reason I wanted to try it out.

 

[sn2hotty]

Very cool! With maps viewable offline, will that also mean offline navigation capability? I've hoped for the ability to store map data for a trip, I would imagine to the SD card, that would allow for reliable navigation where cell service is spotty. That's why I usually rely more on my Garmin Nuvi for most navigation.

 

[DKunch]

I know we can get 3d versions of terrain due to USGS data, but how are they getting building heights?

Prolly the same way they got street views of nearly every road in America lol... Prolly took a boat load of pics and just analyzed the data like crazy... but i dunno they have had the 3d building and stuff look at the Google earth you can get on your Computer it gives you 3d views of citys like Philly and DC and others

 

[drpurp]

Very cool! With maps viewable offline, will that also mean offline navigation capability? I've hoped for the ability to store map data for a trip, I would imagine to the SD card, that would allow for reliable navigation where cell service is spotty. That's why I usually rely more on my Garmin Nuvi for most navigation.

This. If this were to work it would be great that I can still navigate while I am in a phone conversation.

 

[souljerr]

The best keeps getting better. As others have said, that offline map mode would be cool. Better than saving a map or directions on the web version of google maps for viewing later for sure.

 

[sn2hotty]

Very cool! With maps viewable offline, will that also mean offline navigation capability? I've hoped for the ability to store map data for a trip, I would imagine to the SD card, that would allow for reliable navigation where cell service is spotty. That's why I usually rely more on my Garmin Nuvi for most navigation.

This. If this were to work it would be great that I can still navigate while I am in a phone conversation.

Looks like that's what will happen. According to the Engadget article mentioned in the original post, it will be able to reroute while offline in Navigation.

 

[Sweettooth]

I love the continued improvements to Maps; it's Google's shiniest gem in my opinion. Now they just need to let us install it to the SD card because the app is putting on some serious comfort pounds...