Not to be outdone by MapQuest’s new bigger, badder, API, today Google has released a refresh of it’s popular online mapping application, but with a three dimensional twist. Google Maps now features “Street View“, which offers street-level photography in select cities. So far San Francisco, Las Vegas, Denver, Miami, and New York are the only cities available.

Navigation within Street View is, as usual, intuitive and straightforward. Though some of the street view pics aren’t contiguous - some views feature clear, sunny days while others are overcast and dreary - the general feeling of the service is very cohesive and fluid. Resolution is outstanding for most pictures, allowing for remarkable detail when zooming in.

For most users, Street View will be a unique addition to an already solid online mapping service. As the service expands, expect to see additional metro areas added quickly. They may already have the photos acquired and are simply easing in to a full-scale major metro rollout (remember the Gmail beta?).

Google Maps