Google Maps gets Street View imagery and 2 other important features

Google Maps introduces historical imagery, expanded Street View, and AI-enhanced satellite images to offer a more detailed and engaging experience for users.

In Short

• Google Earth now offers historical imagery dating back 80 years to show changes over time
• Street View expands to nearly 80 countries for virtual exploration
• AI improves satellite imagery by removing clouds and haze for clearer maps

Google Maps has added three important new features to help users better explore the world and see how it's changing. These updates include historical imagery in Google Earth, expanded Street View coverage, and sharper satellite images. With historical imagery, you can now see how places looked decades ago, while Street View now covers nearly 80 countries, allowing you to explore new locations virtually. Additionally, improved satellite images use AI to remove clouds and haze, making maps clearer. These features make it easier to understand changes in the environment and explore places in more detail from anywhere.

The first feature is the historical imagery on Google Earth, now available on both web and mobile. This update allows users to travel back in time, exploring satellite and aerial imagery that goes as far back as 80 years. You can now view how different regions, cities, and landscapes have evolved over decades. For example, Lake Oroville in California experienced significant water loss during a drought, but historical imagery allows users to see how rain gradually refilled it. Cities like San Francisco, London, and Berlin also have decades-old imagery, showing how urban landscapes have transformed. Whether you're curious about environmental changes or how urban areas have developed, this new feature provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The second update is the expansion of Street View. Google has introduced new Street View imagery across nearly 80 countries, some of which are receiving this feature for the first time. This vast update allows users to virtually explore more regions, including scenic spots like the medieval villages of Bosnia, the sandy mountains of Namibia, and the rivers of Paraguay. Not only does this enhance virtual tourism, but it also allows users to explore urban streets in faraway places. With a new, lightweight camera that can be mounted on any car, Google aims to further expand Street View’s coverage in the future. Countries like Argentina, France, Japan, Mexico, and South Africa are among those receiving fresh Street View updates.

Lastly, Google has improved the imagery quality on Google Earth and Maps through AI-powered technology. Using an AI model called Cloud Score+, Google can remove clouds, mist, and haze from satellite images, providing clearer and more vibrant views of the world. At the same time, important real-world elements like snow, ice, and mountain shadows are preserved, offering a more accurate depiction of landscapes. This AI-driven update ensures that users can enjoy sharper, high-quality imagery across the globe.

These three updates offer a more engaging and accurate experience on Google Maps, helping users visualize changes, explore new places, and enjoy clearer images of the world.