Google Maps has introduced a major upgrade to its Street View feature, allowing users to travel back in time with historical satellite and aerial images. Some of these images date back as far as 80 years. One striking example provided by Google shows the transformation of the Lake Oroville reservoir in northern California.
After years of severe drought left water levels at an all-time low, an extraordinary spell of rains in 2023 replenished the reservoir to full capacity. Google has also updated its imagery in 80 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, and Uruguay.
Street View historical transformations
This enhancement is made possible by a new, portable Street View camera introduced in 2022, enabling more comprehensive and up-to-date mapping. Four countries – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Namibia, Liechtenstein, and Paraguay – are now included in Street View for the first time, offering users new regions to explore virtually. Furthermore, Google is working on sharpening satellite images on Maps, aiming to present “a brighter, more vibrant globe.” Using AI-powered cloud removal technology, the updated Maps will eliminate distractions like clouds, haze, and mist while preserving real-world weather patterns, such as ice and snow.
This suite of updates marks a significant advancement in the capabilities of Google Maps, both in terms of historical exploration and current geospatial accuracy. Users can look forward to richer and more dynamic visual experiences as they navigate the world virtually.
