It's about time

Google originally added the 3D (though we should really call it 2.5D as it's not exactly true 3D) representation of buildings to around 30 major cities way back in April 2007. Starting mainly with cities in the USA and Japan, Google has since expanded the coverage to over 100 cities worldwide. These include major metropolitan areas such as Buenos Aires, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro in the Americas and Berlin and Madrid in Europe.

While smaller cities such as San Sebastián (Spain) and Montbeliard (France) have also been added, it has taken up until now for London - one of the world's most important cities - to get the 3D treatment.

Some 3D highlights

Here are some highlights of the new 3D view - you can argue amongst yourselves as to how accurately they represent the buildings (click to enlarge the images).

1. Shard London Bridge & City Hall

The Shard (far left) is a huge glass skyscraper that is currently under construction by London Bridge Station. Once complete in 2012 it will become the second tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom.

City Hall (far right) is home to the offices of Boris Johnson, current Mayor of London. It resembles a glass onion or as Boris refers to it "The Glass Gonad".

2. Westminster Abbey & Big Ben

Westminster Abbey, the location of the recent royal wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton is well represented in 3D. Big Ben (unmarked, immediately beneath Westminster underground station), not so much.

3. Buckingham Palace

The primary residence of Queen Elizabeth is well defined on Google Maps.

4. The Gherkin

Officially named 30 St Mary Axe, but more affectionately named The Gherkin, this is a modern skyscraper in the financial district of London. It looks nothing like a gherkin in 3D on Google Maps (it's the cylindrical building beneath the label "St Andrew Undershaft" near the centre).

5. Tower of London

A historic castle by Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is accurately respresented here in 3D.

6. St Paul's Cathedral

Strangely, St Paul's Cathedral does not make an appearance in 3D. There's a big open space where it should be...

While the new 3D buildings view of London is certainly not perfect, it is a very welcome addition to Google Maps. It's just a bit strange that it has taken so long to make an appearance here.

Here is a full list of cities enjoying 3D buildings (though at the time of writing not updated to include London).

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  18th May 2011