Google Maps 5.0 for Android goes vector for faster loading, zooming and 3D

Google Maps for Android got an update announcement yesterday that went somewhat under the radar with the Android 2.3 Gingerbread - Nexus S announcement. Previewed at D: Drive Into Mobile yesterday by Andy Rubin, Google's moved from the traditional downloadable map tiles to vector graphics for its mapping environment. What this means is that maps are smaller in file size resulting in quicker downloading, dynamically drawn providing smooth zooming, and can show 3D representations of buildings for over 100 cities.

The small file size of vector graphics also brings with it storage benefits resulting in Google being able to provide offline caching of maps -- a useful addition for using Google Maps Navigation for turn-by-turn driving directions as it'll allow offline rerouting should you take a wrong turn. Google Maps will also cache your most frequently searched or visited places, which should speed up common mapping tasks considerably. Maps 5.0 apparently downloads 100 times less data, and when combined with local caching, should considerably reduce your mapping data bill, handy for those of us with limited data plans.

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Google Maps 5.0 for Android goes vector for faster loading, zooming and 3D originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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