Cool New Google Maps Feature Lets You 'Helicopter' Preview Routes

paisawalla · on Oct 2, 2011

Works for me in the SF bay area on Safari 5.1, OSX Lion. I believe you need to have the Google Earth browser plugin installed: http://www.google.com/earth/explore/products/plugin.html

That plugin is not available for Linux, sadly.

cpeterso · on Oct 2, 2011

Thanks! The Google Earth plugin was the missing piece of the puzzle.

pennig · on Oct 2, 2011

I'm not seeing this, in latest Safari or Chrome. Anybody else?

jebblue · on Oct 2, 2011

Not on current Ubuntu using Google Chrome. I'm filing a report with Google. Thanks to the OP, when this is working on Ubuntu I look forward to using it.

Urgo · on Oct 2, 2011

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=boston+to+los+angeles

I can confirm the 3d button's not showing up for me in Safari 5 but its working in Chrome 16 and FF 8. (Windows versions)

waterside81 · on Oct 2, 2011

Chrome 14 on OS X works for me. You have to hit "Get Directions" after choosing your two locations.

jmonegro · on Oct 2, 2011

Also Chrome 14 on OS X, and can't see it.

edkennedy · on Oct 2, 2011

OS X and Chrome 14, in Canada, can't see it. I'm thinking location might have something to do with that...

smd80 · on Oct 2, 2011

Don't see it in Northern California either, on Lion under Chrome 14 or Safari 5.

pasbesoin · on Oct 2, 2011

What has happened to Google's LatLong blog (linked in the story)?

http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/09/helicopter-view-o...

Zero visible content with NoScript enabled. I have to enable not just blogspot.com but also something from blogblog.com . That's just [explicative] annoying.

EDIT: After enabling scripts from those domains and viewing the content, when I disable scripts and refresh, the content remains visible. In case anyone tries blocking scripts and finds "it works for me".