Google Releases 3D Maps 5.0 for Android

This Month, Google released 3D Maps for Android phones equipped with Google Maps 5.0, Rather than stitching images together, Google Maps 5.0 uses scaleable vector graphics - a much touted feature of the next generation of web services.

Here are some of the features that the new maps app will offer, taken from their blog

• Tilting: Drag down with two fingers to tilt the map. Tilt while zoomed in on one of the 100+ 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

The app will also does not require a persistent internet connection, which is going to be particularly useful for Google Maps Navigation in areas where the connection drops.