Mon Sep 23 22:06:49 UTC 2024: ## Google Maps and Earth Get Major Updates: Sharper Imagery, More Street View, and Time Travel

**Mountain View, CA -** Google is unveiling significant upgrades to its mapping and visualization platforms, bringing sharper satellite imagery, expanded Street View coverage, and a glimpse into the past.

**Sharper Satellite Imagery:** Starting this week, Google Maps and Earth will showcase improved satellite imagery thanks to the company’s Cloud Score+ AI model. This AI can effectively remove clouds, shadows, haze, and mist while preserving real-world elements like snow, ice, and mountain shadows. The result is a “brighter, more vibrant globe” offering a clearer and more accurate representation of Earth.

**Expanded Street View:** Google is also rolling out “one of the biggest updates to Street View,” with new imagery in nearly 80 countries. This includes the debut of Street View in Bosnia, Namibia, Liechtenstein, and Paraguay, along with expanded coverage in major regions like Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and more.

**Journey Through Time:** Google Earth is adding a new feature that allows users to explore historical imagery, spanning up to 80 years, on both web and mobile. This will provide a fascinating window into the past, allowing users to compare the evolution of landmarks and landscapes over time. For example, users can compare a 1938 black-and-white photo of San Francisco, captured by Oakland Airport pilots, with a 2022 image, highlighting the transformation of the city’s harbor from industrial use to a bustling tourist destination.

These updates significantly enhance Google Maps and Earth, providing users with a richer, more immersive experience and a deeper understanding of our planet and its history.

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