Since 2006, we’ve had textured 3D buildings in Google Earth, and we’re excited to announce that we’ll begin adding 3D models to entire metropolitan areas to Google Earth in the near future.

Thanks to new imagery rendering techniques and computer vision, we’re able to create 3D cityscapes, complete with buildings, terrain and even landscaping, from 45-degree aerial imagery.

By the end of the year, we aim to have 3D coverage for metropolitan areas with a combined population of 300 million people.

http://earth.google.com

For the last decade we’ve obsessed over building great maps for our users—maps that are comprehensive, accurate and easy to navigate. This video gives you a glimpse into that journey, and also talks about what’s next for Google Maps.

http://maps.google.com