Google Maps gets a facelift, now easier to read

by Jay Hathaway (RSS feed) Oct 25th 2009 at 12:00PM

If nobody told you, you might not even notice it, but the team at Google Maps just introduced some subtle visual improvements that make their maps easier to read. Worldwide changes include narrower roads, better contrast between text and the rest of the map, and colors that don't conflict with traffic and other overlays. You'll also start to see road detail at a slightly more distant zoom level. In short, the map view just became more like the hybrid map-satellite view.

How much this matters to you depends partly on where you live. Some cities received specific changes to the appearance of their maps. For example, Beijing's subway line is now marked in colors that match the local subway map, and London's rail lines are easier to see. To really appreciate how much clearer the new look is, take a look at some of the before-and-after shots on the Google Maps blog.

[via AppScout]

Tags: google maps, GoogleMaps, maps

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Quikboy said 1:16AM on 10-26-2009

Meh, personally I prefer the way Bing's road maps much better. Google's looks rather quirky while Bing's seems more smooth and natural.

However, I do appreciate how Google's offers a little more info. including public transit (which Bing hasn't touched on yet) and I noticed some special landmarks pointed out in my city's areas, like government institutions and familiar chain restaurants. But appearance wise, I'd pick Bing over Google.

Jeff V said 10:54AM on 10-26-2009

Just found out that my street address is no longer correct on Google. They moved it to a different neighborhood. Not a good change! Does anyone know how I can alert Google to this error?

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