Since its inception, Google Maps has always rolling out little tweaks and new features that are useful. But today comes the first large-scale overhaul of the look and feel of the service in quite a while. But you may not even notice it.
The reason is that almost all of the changes are very subtle. And unless you spend hours looking at Google Maps everyday, you probably aren’t going to realize when a road outline has been toned down, for example. But looking at the side-by-side images, it’s clear to see that the new look is much nice. Gone is much of the clutter cause by darkened street outlines.
In Google’s own words, from their post:
Today’s changes are intended to keep the same information-rich map while making it easier to pick out the information that is most useful. The changes affect both the ‘Map’ and ‘Hybrid’ styles, and include numerous refinements to color, density, typography, and road styling worldwide. For example, in map view, local and arterial roads have been narrowed at medium zooms to improve legibility, and the overall colours have been optimized to be easier on the eye and conflict less with other things (such as traffic, transit lines and search results) that we overlay onto the map. Hybrid roads have gained a crisp outline to make them easier to follow, and the overall look is now closer to an augmented satellite view instead of a simple overlay.
Again, subtle, but much better. (Click on the images below to see more clearly.)
And just for the hell of it, I’ll embed one of the best music videos ever made.
Frisco and Beijing both look better ont he OLD Maps – but the rest are definitely improved.
any specific reason why?
Not only that but there is a LOT more local information on Google Maps than there was before in terms of shops and stuff.
Look at the big difference in the bay here: http://maps.goo...285988&z=12
Some idiot keeps stealing our street sign. Glad to know that Google still knows where it is.
Wow! The new look is much easier on the eyes. It seems so cluttered when you look at the old images of Google maps. Google did a good job on this one. Two thumbs up
I noticed another change, at least for my county in Wisconsin. They actually have the individual lots mapped out! I’ve only found this done for Walworth County, though. Anybody have more info on this? How long before someone can click on a lot and send an e-mail, or a tweet, to the owner? It’s almost starting to get creepy. Almost.
Same here in Austin, TX. Quite cool to see those mapped out. Showing the lot boundaries also aids in revealing the true shape of streets. (Some of the most-noticible differences in street shapes are at cul-de-sacs).
google maps sent me to an non-existent starbucks a month ago an to a non-existent wagamama yesterday – central london on htc magic.
OMG
Is this post a joke or what? It’s a bit like the “Spot the 8 differences riddle” in the NYT. Who cares?
What’s next, a blog spot about Google tweaking the green color from RGB (0,200,0) to (0,199,0)?
MG, I know you’re Mostly Google but please do give us a break. It won’t hurt if you turn off your automatic inbox rule that converts a lousy PR or Google PM note to a TC post
Btw, I’ve long stopped counting on Google for directions, their database for local shops is full of mistakes and errors in street numbers and post codes.
Unlike the competition, you can report problems and they will be fixed in days to weeks, not 6 months to a year. Details here:
http://google-l...d-your-map.html
The geeks who like design care.
epic title
I recall a Beatles video that played out about the same way
Thanks for pointing this out. I use Google Maps all the time, but would never have noticed.
I think the biggest change is that they moved Real Estate from My Maps to under More three days ago. That affects the livelihood of tens of thousands of agents.
3D Houses overlayed on 2D map is also there:
http://maps.goo...amp;lci=transit