Google Maps now offers 3D aerial views of famous landmarks

You can see a glimpse of the 3D view starting today. In addition to Big Ben in London and the Empire State Building, aerial views of close to 100 famous landmarks, including Alcatraz in San Francisco, are now available to view on the maps. Artificial intelligence and billions of images are combined to create realistic 3D views. It's a handy way to satisfy your curiosity without booking a flight, but it's also a way to get a glimpse of what tourists are like.

Users around the world can access aerial views. To find a landmark, you have to go to the Photos section of the internet.

There are also a couple of more practical upgrades. Heavy car traffic, stairs, steep hills and road types are some of the things that will be included in the upgraded Maps cycling navigation. You will be able to compare routes more easily. In the next few weeks, the biking improvements will reach hundreds of cities.

There are new notifications that let you know when a friend arrives at a given place. This can help you find out when other concert goers have arrived. The notifications only kick in for people who've already agreed to share their locations, and Google promises app and email notifications to make sure people don't leave sharing enabled.