Google Maps Now with Vector Graphics

Google's Andy Rubin recently demoed at the Dive Into Mobile conference the soon to be released new version of Google Maps for Android.

The biggest change in Google Maps 5.0 for Android is that Google are dropping map tiles for vector graphics. The use of vector graphics will lead to two great improvements for Android mobile map users.

In the video above you can see the improvements that vector graphics provide in the display of 3d building outlines. The 3d buildings will have dynamic shading that update on the fly as you change the perspective of your view. The buildings also allow the maps to be rotated to orient to the direction your phone is facing and allow oblique views.

The new vector graphics will also give Google Maps much better caching capabilities. This should mean that Google Maps on your Android will work much better when you don't have a data connection.

Google Maps 5.0 is expected to be released in the next few days.

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