Google integrates Earth-like controls in new Maps interface

By Tim Conneally | Published November 26, 2008, 1:49 PM

Google's improved Street ViewThe Google Maps interface has been redesigned, putting ever greater emphasis on the Street View tool.

The new Google Maps control bar on the left hand side of the window has been redesigned to look more like that of Google Earth, with a "peg man" key that switches between traditional map view and the new full-screen street view.

Street View's design is now practically opposite of what it has been. Before, it would appear as a magnified window atop the traditional map. Now, it has been given full screen privilege while the map has shrunk into the lower right hand corner. The thumbnail map view can be exploded into a split screen with Street view as well. Google Maps Mania says this is ideally suited for driving directions.

There is also a new "report a concern" link placed directly on the map. Whereas before, an infringing or inappropriate street view image had to be reported through the site's help section, this can now be done instantly through the map.

Google's new Street View in Split Screen Mode

Comments

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would like to have on my cellphone

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Seems slower and clunkier to me. Dragging map around and general screen refreshes are slower.

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Didn't like it at first. But its grown on me. Not to mention it seems more stable. When I used Street view after awhile in the old format, my browser would start to lock up. That problem seems to have gone away now.

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Very, very nice....

Google brings good things to living, google brings good things to life.

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I saw that google car the other week. I should of smashed right into that coward.

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Damn Right. Vehicular Homicide is the answer.

Hate Google enough to actually spend the rest of your life in prison over it, do you?

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