Google Maps has now raised the bar when it comes to online navigation and maps imagery. They have now Introduced Google Earth on Google Maps Online, and it is called “Earth View”.
This new viewing mode brings 3D perspective to Google Maps, which is quite different from the Satellite view. This new Earth View feature would be available on the web browser only after installing this Earth Plugin.
Now, instead of just looking at flat terrain, you will be able to get actual 3D view of places like Pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal, Opera House, the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower and many more.
Think about it, lets say you are going on vacation – Now you can see your hotel and nearby places in 3D view and decide on your complete destination list to visited :).
Although the Earth view may be seem to be a bit redundant, as photo realistic geographic data are already available via a 2D satellite view and, if you want to see an actual view of your route, via Streetview.
However, while Earth view does not quite deliver the detail of Streetview, it is much more comprehensive and can give you a realistic bird’s eye view impression of a location or route you are planning. It may not be the best way to print a map when you are going on a trip, but it may supplement the data of your navigation system.
Now the big question however is, how will Bing or Yahoo compete with this kind of offering. Even today Google is most popular when it comes to Mapping and navigation and with this new feature, it probably has put nail in the coffin for all others.
What say?