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Google adds fancier 3D landmarks to Maps

Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers have been freshly SketchUp'd

Google has updated its Google Maps application with more detailed 3D models of major landmarks across the world.
Many 3D models of landmarks already existed on Google Maps, but the revision sees many of the blocky models of old replaced with more detailed ones that make use of curves.
We can only assume that the Google team has been busy practising making models on its own SketchUp software.
The changes make for more attractive maps, but could also prove useful when navigating by making landmarks easier to recognise.

Google for tourists

Software engineer Paul Messmer, highlighting the changes in a post on theGoogle Lat Long Blog said: "by combining 3D buildings with other Google Maps features like Street View and driving directions you'll have the most advanced "tourist map" on the planet."
The post shows examples of updated landmarks including the Piazza del Duomo, White House, Petronas Towers and Sydney Opera House.
On London's map, the Gherkin has got the curvy treatment, though it's hard to tell if there's been any change with Canary Wharf as it's not the most sculptural of buildings in the first place.

From Google Lat Long Blog