New Google Maps Drops the Gauntlet

Google Maps 5.0 is now on the Android Market, and it seems Google has decided to just come out and one up everything available.  Seems like the other navigation apps have a bit of catching up to do now.  


The overall performance has taken a nice jump which everyone will notice.  Previously, the maps were downloaded in small squares and pieces together.  You would have noticed this when you're waiting on the map to load and everything on the screen was a bunch of small white and grey squares.  Now they're using vector graphics to draw the maps as you use it which translates to faster load times.


Explore maps in 3D:
I'm loving this feature right now.  This feature is available right now in 100+ cities and it's a blast to explore with it.  Can't wait for the list to expand.

• Tilting: Drag down with two fingers to tilt the map. Tilt while zoomed in on one of the100+ cities around the world with 3D buildings to see a skyline spring to life.
• Rotating: Twist with two fingers to rotate the map. After tilting to see 3D buildings, rotate around them to gain a new perspective from any direction.
• Smooth zooming: Slide two fingers together or apart, and see the map and labels continuously scale to any zoom level, stopping when your fingers stop.
• Compass mode: Center the map on your location, and then tap the compass button in the top right corner. The map will flip into 3D mode and start rotating to match your perspective, while still keeping all the labels upright and readable.

Offline Mapping:
Yes please!  One big limit you get with almost any phone based mapping app is the need for an internet connection. You get in an area where coverage is lacking for data or in a subway or tunnel, you're dead.  The new version now caches map data on the device allowing for offline support. A data connection is initially required to pull data.  Another nice part to this which should be rolling out of the next few weeks Google has stated is offline rerouting.  Yes, it will have all the data it needs to reroute your drive if you turn off the initial route.


The update can be obtained by going through your Android Market app, or by clicking this link if you're on the phone.

 


Credit to Google Mobile Blog for update info and images.