Google Maps: 3D Buildings Hit London

Google Maps' 3D buildings are spreading to more cities.

You might remember back in December when Google launched Google Maps 5. The vector-based mapping application introduced the ability to tilt the map (drag down with two fingers) and have buildings sprout up from all those grey squares that Maps uses to signify buildings. At launch, Google said it had added 3D support for 100 cities around the world. Now, it's adding more, and London is one of them.

"Whether you’re on the go or playing with a new phone, seeing a 3D skyline spring up in New York City, Zurich, Milan, and other cities is a helpful, fun, and unique experience--an experience we want as many of you as we can to have for your city," Google software engineer Brian Brewington wrote via the Google blog. "We've been adding more cities and you will now find that 3D buildings are available in London, Paris, Barcelona, Stockholm, Singapore, Lisbon, Boulder, and 11 major cities in South Africa."

You don't need to update your app to use the new feature -- just open Maps and check it out. However, Android 2.0+ is required. Having had a quick look ourselves, we can tell you that it looks just as neat as other cities, despite the fact that it's not yet complete. While much of the city and many major landmarks (such as the Palace of Westminster and Piccadilly Circus) are covered, moving around and watching the buildings sprout still reveals some fairly large bald patches.