The New Google Maps of 2013

Schadow1 Expeditions had a peek of the newest iteration of Google Maps for 2013. In summary, you get most of the features of Google Earth functionality in a browser capable of HTML5. Here is our take on the maps as we cover its new GUI and functionality; and how a regular map user can benefit from this map in comparison with its previous version.




The new Google Maps is fully HTMLv5 compliant and thus runs the maps in full 3D and now in full screen. As it runs full screen, the sidebar has been removed and you get just what you needed: the maps.The best thing here is that once loaded, all its features are blazingly fast and everything you need whether searching for something or finding directions is all in front of you. The elements has also been visually improved which is more appealing and more noticeable that the previous version.

Graphical User Interface

 

New Google Maps Interface

As you load the new Google Maps, you will be presented to a map that is filling up most of the browser space. The upper left is a search bar where you can type in locations you would like to search for. Direction guidance is also available as soon as you click the search bar. so you may either search for a location or automatically find directions to that location in one click.

Search, Direction Guidance, and Live Traffic Information

Direction Guidance detail

At the lower right part is a map mode selector where you can either shift to Map view or Earth view (satellite imagery). And as you wade along the map, the view is also updated on the small mode selector. At the time of this article, what is only available is Earth and Map view. The previous version has Earth, Map, and Terrain views.

Mode Selector

The lower right part of the maps is a zoom controller when in Maps view. But once you you shift to Earth view, it becomes a zoom controller, tilt view selector and orientation shifter.

Google Maps in Earth View

Tilt control in Earth View

 
Below is the Explore Button and once you click it, an element will slide up from the bottom which houses Panoramio pictures available within the area.

Explore Bar and Panoramio Photos.
(Shown is Schadow1 Expeditions Panoramio photo of Sitio Moros, Jomalig Island

New features and benefits:
1. Better interface. More space for maps than any other elements. Just how you need it.
2. All functionalities are easy to find as it is all in front of you.
3. Faster loading and less lag when moving around.
4. Better graphics. Easy to see map elements.

Cons:
Available views is only Earth and Maps view. Terrain view (topography) is not yet available.

The new Google Maps is not yet accessible to the public and access to its preview version is available as an invite.

The Google Maps data are obtained from mapping advocates who contribute waypoints, and traces through Google Mapmaker. Schadow1 Expeditions is a mapping advocacy whose contributions are sent to Openstreetmap Philippines, Roadguide Philippines and Google Mapmaker.

For a comparison of available digital maps of the Philippines, refer to the article,  Digital Maps of the Philippines: Comparisons.

The map shown in Google Maps is Jomalig Island, where Schadow1 Expeditions had its latest mapping expedition last April 13, 2013. Full coverage of the expedition can be seen at Jomalig Map-Up and Kids Feeding Project is a Success.