Google Inc. has enhanced its Google Maps and Google Local services with satellite and aerial images, letting users view digital snapshots of an area, the Mountain View, California, company announced Tuesday.
Now, users of Google Maps can choose to see an overhead photograph of the area they searched for instead of a conventional graphical map. The same option is provided to users of the Google Local index of business listings.
As is possible with Google’s conventional maps, users can zoom in and out of the image, as well as drag it in any direction to view cropped-out sections. When users request driving directions, Google also lays over the image a line linking the two destinations, as it does with its conventional maps.
The new functionality comes from Keyhole, a company Google bought last year. It can be accessed at https://local.google.com and https://maps.google.com.