Let’s start with an application that millions of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians around the world use every day: Google Maps.
Google announced a new feature for its Maps app called “Immersive View for Routes” at its annual I/O conference. This feature will be rolled out to 15 cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Paris, and Tokyo. Immersive View for Routes brings together in one place all the information the user needs, including traffic simulations, bike paths, complex intersections, parking lots, weather and air quality. This feature allows users to plan and better understand a city before visiting it.
Example of high resolution 3D imagery from Google Earth to create immersive experiences.
Using computer vision and AI
This feature builds on Immersive View, which was first announced at last year’s I/O conference. Immersive View uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to create a digital model of the world by merging billions of Street View and aerial images. Immersive View for Routes is designed to allow users to preview and understand a route before driving it.
Immersive view of a route
This feature will be available on Android and iOS, and users will be able to use it whether they are driving, walking or cycling to their destination. The Immersive View weather slider for routes allows users to see how a route will look based on weather changes during the day.
This feature also allows you to see what the traffic looks like at a given time, based on current and historical data that Google has collected on a specific area.
Integration of aerial views
Google also announced the launch of an aerial views API for developers, allowing them to include a predefined video of a given area in their apps and websites. This feature will allow real estate companies to help tenants view a property and its surroundings. In addition, Google is launching an experimental version of photorealistic 3D titles for developers, allowing them to create personalized and immersive maps and visualizations unique to their brand.
20 billion kilometres…every day
Google CEO Sundar Pichai told the conference that Google Maps provides 20 billion kilometers of routes every day and with Immersive View for Routes, users can now see their entire journey in advance. , regardless of the mode of transport. This new feature aims to make travel more efficient and convenient for users by providing them with all the necessary information in one place.