Google Maps
An attendee uses Google Map on a Google Nexus 7 tablet during Google I/O 2012 Conference at Moscone Center in San Francisco, California June 27, 2012.Reuters

Software giant Google recently upgraded its Maps service with underwater view of select sea shores across the world.

Google introduced the high-resolution 45-degree imagery in 40 US cities and 20 international cities across the world. One its views include the panoramic shots of the Great Barrier Reef of Australian eastern state Queensland.

The company's official blog  stated that Google Maps and Google Earth's aerial and satellite coverage were updated to a total of 164 cities across 108 countries.

Google has also updated the high-resolution satellite views of few select cities of India.

The high-definition 45-degree imagery was selectively made available in popular cities where high visitor footfalls are noticed. Cities like Pisa, Rome, Paris, London and others were specifically chosen for the mapping service application to help visitors plan their trips across the city with ease.

The upgraded Maps service gives a 3D imagery of a city layout, bringing out stunning views of landmark buildings when viewed from the Map mode.

Users must have an Android-based handset (Android 2.0 and later version only) in order to install 3D imagery-enabled Google Earth application.

Handset requirements include:

  • Screen resolution of 320x480 or higher
  • Should have minimum of 211 MB SD Memory card
  • The Device must have a minimum of 35 MB System memory
  • The handset must have dual-core processor in order to have a 3D building appear on the list of options.

For more information regarding installation and navigating procedure users can click the link here.

Users can explore great cities while sitting in the comfort of their homes by installing Google's Web mapping application MapsGL on their systems.

MapsGL uses the WebGL (Web-based Graphics Library) technology which gives an enhanced Google Maps experience to the user. WebGL integrates 3D graphics to the browser without the need for add-on application software.

Google's MapsGL mapping service is available in select cities only. Users can visit this link for more information