Digital navigation apps have become essential in our everyday lives. Tools like Google Maps not only provide directions but also offer real-time traffic updates, local business information, and user reviews, making them incredibly versatile. A particularly valuable feature of these apps is the Street View option, which allows users to explore locations virtually before visiting in person.
This feature also includes access to historical images, enabling users to glimpse how places have changed over time. Recently, Google announced that this popular historical Street View functionality will now be integrated into Google Earth. Although Google Earth has long included Street View support, historical imagery was previously exclusive to Google Maps.
Before this update, Google Earth only provided aerial satellite views of locations, limiting the perspectives users could view. With the new update, users can explore the planet from various angles, whether it be a bird’s eye view from above or a street-level perspective. The rollout of this feature is currently underway but may not be widely available just yet.
For those familiar with navigating Google Maps, accessing historical Street View imagery involves a straightforward process. By selecting the Street View icon and dropping it at the desired location, users can view past images if they are available, indicated by a “See more dates” notification on the screen. In addition to this update, Google is planning to enhance Google Earth with new tools for professionals.
These additions will include expanded building and solar design planning tools, as well as unique data layers such as land surface temperature, tree canopy coverage, and rooftop reflectivity. These advancements aim to assist cities in finding innovative ways to reduce heat absorption in homes and businesses, ultimately contributing to a cooler environment.
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