Posts Tagged ‘google maps’
Google provides street views of Italian cities (on the iPhone, too)
I’m constantly impressed by the fast pace at which Microsoft and Google are innovating in the mapping technology space.
Some time ago I created a short video tutorial describing the two online services, then I blogged about how Google allows users to customize their maps and how Microsoft introduced bird’s eye views of several cities in Italy.
This time I’ll talk about Google’s street views. Imagine a car with a panoramic camera on its roof to capture thousands of pictures while it’s circulating around a city. Now, link those images to Google maps and you can experience on your computer what a busy Italian street looks like in the reality.
Google for now provides coverage only for Milan, Rome, Florence and the Lake Como area. Check some of these links, drag your pointer around to discover the surroundings and follow the arrows to move along the streets:
- Piazza di Santa Croce in Florence
- Piazza del Popolo in Rome
- Piazza Castello in Milan
- Piazza Roma in Arzegno (on Lake Como)
If you own an iPhone, you’ll be happy to know that Google street views are available for your mobile device too.
For example, search for ‘Rome’ in the Google Maps iPhone application and click on the orange little man on the label:
and you’ll magically experience what’s like driving in Italy without time constrains.
Now that you are “virtually ready” for Italy, consider the next steps to get “totally ready” for Italy.
Download a free chapter of our eBook and start discovering more than 350+ tips that will help you navigate Italy like a local.
Using Google MyMaps to link multimedia content about Italy
Google has just added a new interesting feature to their online mapping service called MyMaps. MyMaps allows anybody to create personalized maps with annotations including text, images, links, and share it with others.
We jumped on the opportunity to visually link the content of our blog, podcasts and videos to a customized Google MyMap of Italy. Please let us know what you think.
- View ItalyFromTheInside’s Google MyMap
In January, we also did a video review of Google Maps and Microsoft Local Live Search.
Where to find the best online maps of Italy (video)
If you are looking for great maps of Italy, the Internet is the place to go. We’ve done a video review of the best two free online mapping services available: Google Maps and Microsoft Local Live Search powered by the new 3D engine Microsoft Virtual Earth. You’ll be surprised how far these tools have evolved in providing you with beautiful maps, aerial views, directions from / to different locations and businesses search ability.
Enjoy the best maps of Italy!
- Can’t see the video? Watch it from YouTube
- iPod version (MP4 – 16Mb)
- Zune version (WMV – 5Mb)
Hot tips from real Italians
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Name: Paolo and Francesca Tosolini
Location: Bellevue, Washington, United States
Paolo was born and raised in Italy for his first 30 years. He now lives in Seattle, WA (USA) where he works for Microsoft as a New Media Business Manager.
Francesca worked as a travel agent before choosing the career of full time mom of two beautiful kids.
Through this blog, Paolo and Francesca want to share an insider view of the Italian culture, and offer useful tips and information to make your trip to Italy the most enjoyable ever.
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Email: [email protected]
Cell: (425) 985-7886.
p.s. Of course, this blog reflects only my opinions and not my employer's.
