Google Maps is a software particularly loved by those who have to move around the city on foot, by car, by public transport or by motorbike. Starting the application from your smartphone or simply creating an itinerary on your computer is extremely simple and you can do it completely free of charge.
In the latest releases, Google has introduced some very interesting innovations, in addition to Google Maps driving simulator , it has also implemented a new view in its map program: three-dimensional . With the name of Google Maps 3D you can expand the functionality of the well-known program and take a look at the most important points of interest in the world, with high image quality.
How To See 3D Streets on Google Maps
Index
- What is Google Maps 3D and how does it work?
- How to see in 3D on Google Maps
- Google Maps 3D not working
What is Google Maps 3D and how does it work?
We are sure that you have already heard of Google Maps , perhaps simply by looking through your applications in the smartphone drawer, but it is most likely the first time that you find yourself searching and finding some information on Google Maps 3D, right? So what is it? When we refer to Google Maps 3D we identify a specific mode of Google Maps with which you can make the classic flat itineraries in the three-dimensional alternative . You will be able to observe on the screen buildings and vertical structures that extend not only in width and breadth, but also in height, offering you in fact more details and a clearer idea of where your point of interest is located.
Maybe in the past you have already downloaded or used on your Windows computer Google Earth (from which Google Flight Simulator was born ), that is a particularly refined version of Google Maps Satellite thanks to which you can observe the Earth and cities in three dimensions. Earth and Maps Satellite have been implemented in the most famous version of Google Maps, giving life to a lighter and more versatile 3D mode.
As you can imagine, however, the most famous features of Maps are not eliminated, indeed, both the traffic and the route options are even more detailed thanks to the new three-dimensional function. When you activate the 3D mode you can choose different types of maps, selecting the default one if you prefer the two-dimensional map or opting for a more detailed graphics with Satellite and Relief .
You may be wondering how to use Google Maps 3D and if it is much different from Google Earth online or from the local version, right? To activate the three-dimensional mode of Google Maps, all you have to do is start the application and set a different view from the default one, specifically you have to look for the Overlapping Sheets icon and set the map to 3D viewing mode.
As with all new releases, you need to update the Google Maps application first, while if you are using the web browser , you will already have the updated version. So, make sure you install the latest version available, otherwise you will not find the 3D mode in the various viewing options. In the following lines we will try to give you some advice on how to behave if even after the update you are unable to access the three-dimensional function of the maps.
How to see in 3D on Google Maps
Have you downloaded the latest version of Maps but still can’t access the 3D mode? Then let’s see how to make the most of Google satellite in a few simple steps. The Maps 3D App on your smartphone is activated with these simple steps:
- Launch the Google Mapsapp for Android or iOS ,
- Type the address where you want to go in Search here, after having activated GPS on your phone, and press Start .
- Tap on the bar where you see the KM indicated and check the View satellite mapoption .
- You will see the route in 3D with a three-dimensional view and, by tapping on the arrow of your position, you will be able to choose an icon for the vehicle.
Alternatively:
- Launch the Google Mapsapp for Android or iOS ,
- Type the address where you want to go in Search here, after having activated GPS on your phone, and press Directions .
- Tap the two overlapping layers iconat the top right and choose Satellite under Map Type .
If you want this web browser mode and prefer to access from your PC, then all you have to do is click on Google Earth and enter the address in the search bar, at the top left.
Google Maps 3D not working
Whether you are using Google Earth online in real time, or you prefer to connect to Google Maps satellite from the official App, you may encounter problems viewing the three-dimensional map. There are many causes and they do not always depend on your device. Let’s see the main ones of a possible malfunction of Google Maps 3D.
- Internet connection: one of the reasons for the inaccessibility of Maps 3D is the Internet connection you are using. Make sure you are connected to the 4G/LTE/5G network from your smartphone or to the Wi-Fi/Ethernet network of your computer. If you do not have a stable connection, the 3D images will load slowly and sometimes graphic glitches may occur .
- App: as we have already anticipated, you must download the latest version of Google Maps , for Android or iOS, to integrate the 3D view. If you have an obsolete application you will not be able to start the mode that you so much want to try.
- Settings: Although it may seem trivial, when you restart Google Maps in many cases the software may set the default mode again. Make sure that the 3D viewing mode is active , even if you think you have previously set it.
- Localization: In the last few weeks, Maps 3D has also been available in Italy, but if you are traveling abroad, you should consider the possibility that the country where you are spending your time may not yet have the service active.
- Cookies and cache: If you have successfully installed Maps 3D and your device meets all the requirements to access it, then there may be issues with cache and cookies. Go to your phone’s Settings , tap on Apps and select Google Maps . Clear cookies and clear cache to restore the settings of the source files.
- Technical failure: Also consider the possibility that the Maps 3D servers are updating, so try again in a few minutes if you are unable to log in.