# 3D Online Cityscapes Google Earth Unveils Buildings Layer By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-12-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-recreates-nyc-thousands-of-3d-buildings-on-your-desktop References: [googleearthuser.blogspot](http://googleearthuser.blogspot.com/2008/04/does-whatever-spider-can.html) Excuse me while I gush over [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-maps-ai)--again! I don’t know what’s gotten into the boys and girls at the Googleplex, but they are rolling out new features like the world is coming to an end. Gulp. Moving on: Google has 3D photo textures of nearly every building in Manhattan. To try this insane feature out for yourself, fly to “New York City” and turn on the [3D Buildings layer in Google Earth](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/realitymaps). (Use the link below for help.) Just a year ago only a few buildings were represented. Now it’s possible to [virtually fly above the streets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-explorers). Amazing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3D Mapping:** The use of 3D photo textures to create detailed virtual models of buildings can revolutionize urban planning and architecture. - **Virtual Tourism:** The ability for individuals to virtually explore cities through detailed 3D modeling can open up new opportunities for tourism and travel. - **Augmented Reality:** The integration of 3D mapping technology into augmented reality applications can create new immersive experiences for users. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** The ability to create highly detailed 3D models of buildings can greatly enhance the design and construction process. - **Tourism:** Virtual tours of cities using 3D mapping technology can offer travelers a unique and immersive experience. - **Gaming:** The incorporation of 3D building models into video games can create more realistic and engaging gaming environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Enhanced Map Softwares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-maps-ai.md) - [Interactive 3D Mapping Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-mapping-feature.md) - [AR-Based Map Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-maps-1.md) - [Digital Map Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/look-around.md) - [AR-Enabled Google Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-7.md) - [Digital Map AI Enhancements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-map-ai-enhancements-google-maps-update-brings-aipowered-exploration.md) - [Historical Photographic Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/historical-street-view.md) - [Global Location Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earthguessr.md) - [Expansive Tech Offices Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/googleplex.md)