Google Maps getting 'Immersive View' to explore cities in breathtaking 3D

google maps immersive view 3d aerial shot of london
(Image credit: Google)

Update: Google Maps is bringing one of the best desktop features to mobile

Google Maps is about to make it even easier to check out new places. A new “Immersive View” has just been announced at Google I/O 2022, and is set to arrive  later this year. It promises to give users the chance to explore a 3D-rendered version of big cities from within the Google Maps app.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because it’s not that dissimilar to Apple Maps’ Flyover feature. The principle seems to be pretty much the same, letting you fly around a big city as if you were actually there. But there’s one thing Apple doesn’t have: the ability to view 3D models of interior locations.

google maps immersive view interior

(Image credit: Google Maps)

But rather than using drones to fly around mapping restaurants or shopping malls, Google has put these together using neural rendering. That means Google is able to generate these 3D models of real locations from a collection of static photos.

That’s pretty amazing, when you think about it. You can head onto Google Maps, looking for a place to eat, and get a feel of what it’s like to be inside.

Immersive View will also be able display useful information, including live traffic and how busy specific locations are.

Google maps immersive view 3d gif

(Image credit: Google)

Details on the launch of this feature are pretty scarce right now. All Google revealed was that Immersive View will be rolling out in “select cities” later this year. So far London, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tokyo are included. We expect other major world cities will follow.

Google also revealed that eco-friendly routing, which is designed to improve your gas mileage, will be rolling out to more locations across the world — including Europe.

There’s plenty more happening at Google I/O 2022, and you can follow the news as it happens over on our Google I/O 2022 live blog.

Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.

Read more
Google Maps app icon on iPhone
Google Maps has 3D Map navigation — here’s how to activate it
Apple Maps on the web pictured on a Mac screen.
Apple Maps just got a big upgrade to rival Google Maps
Google Maps
Google Maps just got a huge iPhone-inspired upgrade with Android 16 beta — here's how it works
Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup
Google Maps just added support for Galaxy S25’s best feature
Google Maps
Google Maps is scraping dashcam footage to stay up to date — here's what you need to know
Google Maps logo on a phone screen
9 Google Maps features that'll make holiday traveling way less stressful
Latest in Mobile Apps
Gboard app logo on mobile phone resting on a keyboard
Google Gboard redesign has already angered users — and I can see why
Waze app on iPhone in car
Forget Google Maps — Waze just got a huge upgrade that will help millions of drivers
A photo of the Apple Maps app tile displayed on an iPhone screen
Apple Maps may soon get ads, letting businesses pay to boost visibility
How to delete TikTok
TikTok confirms return to Apple and Google app stores — here’s what we know
How to tour the Super Bowl stadium virtually with Google Maps
Google Maps is adding this new feature for millions of drivers to make your ride safer
Google Maps and Apple Maps showing the new name for the Gulf
Apple Maps follows Google Maps in renaming the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Latest in News
Xbox handheld
Xbox handheld reportedly arriving this year, new PC-like console in 2027
Concept image of foldable iPad
Apple reportedly has an 18.8-inch foldable iPad prototype with under-display Face ID
Adam Scott in "Severance," now streaming on Apple TV Plus.
'Severance' season 2 finale runtime just revealed — expect a violent finale
Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses next to AirPods Pro 2
New report says Apple is working on Meta-style smart glasses and AirPods with cameras
A smartphone screen displaying the Android name and logo next to a sign reading 'MALWARE'.
Fake Google Play Store pages are spreading Trojan malware that can steal your financial data
Crystle Stewart as Mallory in Tyler Perry's "Beauty in Black" on Netflix
Tyler Perry’s suspenseful drama series just crashed the Netflix top 10 — and you can stream new episodes now