Today at noon EST / 9am PST, Google is hosting an event to show off the “Next Dimension of Google Maps”. While we aren’t sure exactly what they’ll be unveiling, we have a few ideas.
First, it’s well-known that Apple is dropping Google Maps from their core “Maps” product in iOS6, and integrating an internally-produced map product of their own. Given the timing of this announcement, it’s very likely going to have a mobile component to it.
In addition, the “next dimension” likely refers to additional 3D content. Will we begin to see textured 3D buildings in Google Maps? That might be possible, though part of the beauty of Google Maps is how lightweight and quick it is.
Perhaps they’ll be incorporating Historical Imagery into Google Maps. It seems that it would be relatively easy to do that, since they already have the data for it, and “time” could be the next dimension they’re referring to.
Paul van Dinther posted his thoughts on Google+ a few days ago. Considering the extensive work he does with Google Earth and the Google Earth Plug-in, he opinions are worth some weight. Granted, he doesn’t yet know what they’ll be unveiling either, but he thinks perhaps fully automated 3D buildings may be coming — certainly a possibility after Google’s recent sale of SketchUp.
In any case, we’ll find out soon! Stay tuned and we’ll post updated information as soon as it is announced.
About Mickey Mellen
Mickey has been using Google Earth since it was released in 2005, and has created a variety of geo-related sites including Google Earth Hacks. He runs a web design firm in Marietta, GA, where he lives with his wife and two kids.
Here is the live link via YouTube for the presentation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMBJ2Hu0NLw&feature=player_embedded
New Google Imagery In Buenos Aires, Argentina!!
Good review from the Event:¨
http://searchengineland.com/live-blogging-the-google-maps-next-dimension-event-123617
Just checked Google Earth and they have pushed a small update dated June 6. It’s already in the “Latest Imagery” file.
Peter Birch made mention of their new textured 3d mesh system… so will they just no longer support the .dae file type now that Sketchup has been jettisoned?
I hope we can still create KmlPlacemarks with user-defined models…
More of an event for mobile users than desktop users … at least until later this year 🙁
Any ideas what Apple might have developed in competition?
If you want to know what the Apple maps might look like. Have a look at these live Web-GL based 3D maps that are identical to what Google presented today.
http://maps.nokia.com/webgl/
Apple purchased C3 which did what Google demoed today last year. Here is a YouTube video of the technology BEFORE Apple purchased it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaahKhvO_E4&feature=player_embedded
@ Eric & Paul Thanks … C3 is really impressive, and hope it comes to desktops, but unfortunately could not see the Nokia stuff as it only works in Chrome and Firefox.