Google Maps offers a unique bird’s eye view that allows you to see an aerial perspective of a location. This can be extremely useful when exploring a new area or trying to get your bearings. Here are the steps to access the bird’s eye view in Google Maps.
Enable Satellite View
The first step is to enable the satellite view in Google Maps. When you first open Google Maps, it defaults to the standard road map view. To switch to satellite view, click on the box in the lower left corner of the map that likely says “Map.” This will open up a menu – click on “Satellite” in this menu. The view will switch to show the aerial photography.
Zoom In On a Location
With satellite view enabled, you can now zoom in on a location to activate the bird’s eye view. Find the area you want to explore and zoom in by double clicking or using the plus/minus buttons. As you zoom in, the map will switch automatically to the angled bird’s eye aerial view at closer zoom levels.
Use Your Mouse to Adjust Angle
As you zoom in with the bird’s eye view active, you can use your mouse to tilt and rotate the angle of the aerial imagery. This allows you to get a unique perspective over the area, viewing it from all directions. Simply click and drag your mouse to change the angle – it’s very easy and intuitive.
Try Different Locations
The bird’s eye view works for most locations in the United States and certain other parts of the world. Try exploring your hometown or a famous landmark. The detailed 45 degree imagery is captured by planes and provides an interesting way to explore. You can discover a lot of cool details you wouldn’t see from the ground level view.
Use It for Navigation
One great benefit of the bird’s eye view is using it to aid navigation or plan routes. Seeing the aerial layout of an unfamiliar area helps you understand intersections, one way streets, parking lots, and other logistics. You may discover efficient routes and shortcuts that weren’t obvious from the standard view. It’s great for scoping out destinations before you visit them.
View 3D Buildings
In some densely populated metropolitan areas, Google Maps has detailed 3D building renderings. If available in your area, these will automatically appear when the bird’s eye view is enabled. You can view detailed 3D perspectives of entire city blocks. Zoom in close to get an immersive aerial view between and around skyscrapers.
Save and Share Views
If you discover an interesting aerial view, you can easily save and share it. Over on the left side panel of Google Maps, click the hamburger menu button (three horizontal lines). Choose the “Share or embed map” option. This will let you copy a link or embed the exact view. You can also take a screenshot to share.
Enable on Mobile
The Google Maps app for iPhone, iPad and Android also includes the bird’s eye view. Use the same steps of enabling satellite view and zooming in. Pinch to zoom on mobile. The angled aerial imagery works great on a small screen when you need an immersive view.
Where is it Available?
The bird’s eye aerial imagery is available in all parts of the United States and certain other regions globally where Google has captured the photography. However, it will only appear at close zoom levels. If you don’t see it for a certain area, try zooming in more or exploring another location.
Why Use It
There are many great uses for the bird’s eye view:
- Get an aerial view over your own home or neighborhood.
- Plan travel routes and understand layout of unfamiliar areas.
- View 3D renderings of buildings in supported cities.
- Discover interesting architecture and landscapes.
- Create unique map views to share with others.
- View changes and growth over time with historical imagery.
Complementary Features
Some other Google Maps features that complement the bird’s eye view:
- Google Earth – Downloadable desktop application with advanced and comprehensive aerial 3D imagery.
- Photo Spheres – 360 degree panoramic street views submitted by users.
- Local Guides – City guides and reviews created by local experts.
- Terrain View – Topographic shading shows elevation and landscape.
Privacy Concerns
The detailed aerial views inevitably raise some privacy concerns. But Google takes care to blur out faces, license plates and other identifying details on private property. The imagery is not live and is typically updated every one to three years. It’s also important to keep in mind that these overhead views have been publicly accessible from airplanes and satellites for decades before online mapping.
Conclusion
The Google Maps bird’s eye view provides an interesting and useful way to explore locations from above. It enables a unique travel planning and navigation assistance. Just enable satellite view, zoom in far on any area, and tilt the aerial imagery to get an immersive perspective. With practice, you’ll be able to quickly access overhead views of any neighborhood or landmark. The bird’s eye view is one of the most innovative features of Google Maps.
