Google Maps, a widely used web application and mobile application, offers a rich, interactive map with global coverage. By default, it presents geographical information in a 2-dimensional view. However, with the introduction of the 3D view feature, users can now explore places on Earth with real-world images derived from satellite imagery. This feature enhances the user experience by providing a realistic visualization of areas, including mountains, buildings, and other structures.
What is 3D in Google Maps?
The 3D view is not just a visual upgrade; it’s a practical tool for route planning. It allows users to see real-time traffic updates, directions, and distance measurements in a more immersive way. Users can zoom, pan, and tilt the view to explore the terrain and notable landmarks. This feature is particularly useful in selected cities around the world where structures and buildings are rendered in 3D.
Accessing the 3D view in Google Maps requires hardware acceleration and is subject to browser compatibility. It’s available on various platforms, including Android and iOS devices. Other features that enhance the user experience include Street View, Navigation, Location Sharing, Offline Maps, Incognito Mode, and Dark Mode. These features, combined with the 3D view, make Google Maps a comprehensive tool for geographical exploration and navigation.
How to Make Google Maps 3D on a Desktop
Step 1: Open Google Maps in your browser on your desktop device
Step 2: Type the place you want to see in 3D in the search bar
In the search bar of Google Maps, type the place you want to see in 3D view.
Step 3: Click the search icon to search for the place in Google Maps
Click the search icon next to the search bar.
The place gets loaded in Google Maps now.
Step 4: Click on the Layers tab at the bottom leftmost corner of the webpage
By default, the view is 2D in Google Maps. Click on the Layers tab at the bottom leftmost corner of the webpage.
Step 5: Click on the 3D button at the bottom right-most corner
Now the satellite view of Google Maps is enabled.
Click on the 3D button at the bottom right-most corner of the webpage.
Step 6: Click on the (+) plus button until you get a closer view of the place
Now we have switched to the 3D view of Google Maps. Click the + plus button for 2 or 3 times at the bottom right-most corner until you get closer to the place you want to see in 3D in Google Maps.
Step 7: Press the ‘Shift’ key on your keyboard and drag the screen upwards using the Mouse or Touchpad
To view the enabled 3D mode in a better immersive view, press the ‘Shift’ key from your keyboard, and drag the screen upwards using your mouse or touchpad. Drag around the map to move around a place in the map.
Step 8: 3D view has been enabled in Google Maps successfully
Now you can see the places and buildings in 3D in Google Maps.
How to Turn on Hardware Acceleration in Chrome
Step 1: Open the Google Chrome browser on your device
Step 2: Click the three dots at the top rightmost corner of the Chrome browser
At the top rightmost corner of the Google Chrome browser, click the three vertical dots.
Step 3: Click on ‘Settings’ in the list of options appearing
Click ‘Settings’ in the dropdown which is opened.
Step 4: Click ‘System’ on the page full of the settings menu
The ‘Settings’ page opens up in your browser. Under the list of options appearing on the page, Click ‘System’.
Step 5: Toggle ‘Use hardware acceleration when available’ to enable hardware acceleration
Click the toggle button next to ‘Use hardware acceleration when available’ to enable hardware acceleration in your browser.
Step 6: Click the ‘Relaunch’ button to restart the browser
The hardware acceleration is enabled only after restarting the browser to commit the changes. So, click the ‘relaunch’ button appearing. Now the Google Chrome browser is restarted
Step 7: The Chrome browser is restarted with hardware acceleration enabled
On restarting the browser, the Chrome settings page is opened with the hardware acceleration enabled. Hardware acceleration is enabled successfully in the Google Chrome browser to view Google Maps in 3D if not viewable before.
How to Make Google Maps 3D on Android and iOS
Step 1: Open the Google Maps mobile app on your mobile device
Step 2: Click the search bar located at the top of the app
Tap on the search bar located at the top of the app to search for a location.
Step 3: Type the name of the place you want to see in 3D and click the ‘Search’ button
Type the name of the place you want to see in 3D in your mobile app and tap the ‘Search’ button at the bottom rightmost corner of the app.
Step 4: Click the ‘Layers’ Icon
The location is loaded in the Google Maps app. Click the Layers icon at the top right side of the app.
Step 5: Click the 3D icon under the Map details in the drop-up menu Opened
A drop-up menu opens from the bottom side of the app with map type and map details. Click 3D under the map details.
Step 6: Tap the close icon ‘X’ in the drop-up menu to close the drop-up menu
Tap the close icon ‘X’ at the top rightmost corner of the drop-up menu.
Step 7: Pinch with two fingers in the opposite direction to zoom in and view the structures in 3D.
Step 8: Google Maps is viewed in 3D mode on mobile devices successfully
Now the location is viewed in 3D mode on mobile devices using the Google Maps app.
How to View Maps in 3D Using Google Earth
Step 1: Open the Google Earth app on your smartphone
Step 2: Click the search bar at the top of the app
Click the search icon at the top leftmost corner of the Google Earth app.
Step 3: Type the location you want to view in 3D
Type the name of the location you want to view in 3D and select the location among the search results displayed.
Step 4: Now the location is loaded in the app
Step 5: Click on the 3D button at the right side of the app
Click on the 3D button to view the 3D view of the location.
Step 6: The location is viewed in 3D in the Google Earth app successfully
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed Google Maps and 3D view in Google Maps. Also, we have discussed the step-by-step procedure to enable 3D view in Google Maps on Desktop and mobile devices using the Google Maps app. Also, we have discussed how to view 3D using the Google Earth app on smartphones.
FAQs On See 3D In Google Maps
Is it possible to view all the places around the world in 3D using Google Maps?
As of now, not all the places in the world can be seen as 3D in Google Maps. Currently we can see some major cities around the world in 3D view. In the upcoming years, we can see that the 3D view of new locations will be updated.
What are some of the locations which have 3D views in Google Maps?
Currently, the cities which have 3D view in Google Maps are New York, Paris, Melbourne, Tokyo, Berlin, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Venice.
Why do I not see 3D buildings or structures in some places in Google Maps?
Because not all places support 3D currently. We can try to see 3D in other major cities where 3D is available now.
Is 3D available on Google Maps mobile devices?
Yes, using Google Maps application, we can see 3D.
Why can’t I see 3D in Google Maps?
Sometimes if Google Maps is not updated to the latest version, or if hardware acceleration is not enabled in your browser, 3D mode is not seen in Google Maps.
How can I see 3D?
To view 3D in Google Maps,
Open Google Maps.
Click the Layers icon.
Tap on 3D under Map details.
Now map can be seen as 3D in Google Maps.