Google 地圖改版說明 / Changes to the look of Google Maps

Google 地圖改版說明

您發現了嗎？「Google 地圖」的介面變得不一樣了。日後我們將進行一連串的設計改版，這是為了統一「Google 地圖」和其他 Google 產品的服務介面，提供更為直覺化的服務平台，讓您能夠更輕鬆、更有效率地使用我們的產品。

「Google 地圖」經過重新設計(MapsGL技術)；目前的強化版本不僅擁有更優異的效能、更豐富的 3D 圖形、更流暢的圖像轉換，以及更容易存取的「街景服務」，還支援 45° 視角旋轉操作等多項功能。

Changes to the look of Google Maps

You might have noticed that Google Maps looks a little bit different. This is the first in a series of changes to make Maps, and other Google products, simpler and more consistent so your experience is more enjoyable and productive.

MapsGL 是什麼？

MapsGL 採用 WebGL (Web-based Graphics Library) 這種新技術，讓您享受更豐富有趣的「Google 地圖」效果。WebGL 使瀏覽器能顯示 3D 圖形，卻不需要另外安裝軟體。這種技術讓不同圖層和地圖檢視在切換時流暢無比。
MapsGL 的改良功能包括：

• 地圖檢視模式中的 3D 建築物和 45° 鳥瞰圖像
• 平順的縮放圖像轉換功能，以及流暢的 45° 鳥瞰視角旋轉操作
• 可從地圖檢視快速切換至「街景服務」圖像

MapsGL 讓您用瀏覽器就能享有如此豐富的效果，完全不須安裝外掛程式。

What is MapsGL?

MapsGL uses new technology called WebGL (Web-based Graphics Library) to enhance the Google Maps experience. WebGL brings 3D graphics to your browser without the need to install additional software. This allows us to provide seamless transitions between various levels of imagery and different map views.
Some of the MapsGL improvements include:

• 3D buildings in Map view mode and 45° aerial imagery
• Smooth transitions between zoom levels and seamless 45° aerial view rotations
• 'Swoop' quickly from the map view to Street View imagery

With MapsGL, you'll be able to experience all of this in your browser without a plug-in.
To learn more about WebGL, visit webgl.org. Or take a look at these Google Chrome Experiments, powered by WebGL.

立即體驗：進入「Google 地圖」後，如圖左下角多了一行， "想試試全新的技術嗎？" 點擊一下。

點擊 "立即體驗" 。

點擊 "立即開始導覽！" ，再接著 "按一下這裡開始導覽" 。

依步驟 1,2,3 操作即可觀賞到3D建築物。

依步驟 1,2,3 操作即可欣賞流暢的 45° 衛星影像畫面切換效果。 

多了旋轉鈕功能，使用旋轉鈕就能觀看 360° 視圖。

 按住街景服務的 [衣夾人] 圖示，拖曳到任何您想觀看的街道藍線上，就可以切換到街景服務。

 進入街景服務後，可以用剛剛提到的旋轉控制項來旋轉視圖。按一下街景中的遠處，就能沿著街道向前移動！

是不是有全新的感受！如果不喜歡還是可以切回傳統版！而且隨時可以互相切換！

想體驗的網友請注意以下兩點：

執行 MapsGL 的系統需求有哪些？ What are the system requirements to run MapsGL?

詳情請參閱支援的瀏覽器和顯示卡說明。 Read more information on supported browsers and graphics cards.

via: Google 地圖改版說明, MapsGL

以 iPad 控制 3D CAD - 3D滑鼠(軌跡球)替代方案 / Maide Control - 3D CAD Control with your iPad

除了以 3D滑鼠(軌跡球) 控制3D CAD外，另一替代方案為使用 Maide Control，iPad 端需至 App Store 下載 ($4.99)， PC 端則為免費下載，兩者間透過 Wi-Fi 或 Ad Hoc 方式連線，目前僅支援Windows系統，Google SketchUp、Rhino 軟體、將來會支援 Mac、AutoCAD....。可參考圖片及短片初步了解，詳細資料請至官網 Maide。

Connect
Free Maide Connect desktop software, you can connect your iPad to Google SketchUp or Rhino. This connection is authenticated and secure to protect your computer and its contents. We currently support connections over Wi-Fi and Ad Hoc networks.

We currently only support Windows, but Mac support will be coming very soon

Control
Use the multi-touch screen to pan, orbit, and zoom your model, as well as snap to orthogonal views. You can even control your mouse and keyboard from the iPad.

KEY FEATURES:

✔ Pan, orbit, and zoom your 3D model for slick presentations
✔ Quickly snap to orthogonal views (top, left, right, front, back)
✔ Gesture based tool selection with our innovative radial menu
✔ Connect multiple iPads to the same model for collaborative viewing
✔ Quickly save screenshots of your models to your iPad for easy sharing
✔ Use your iPad screen as a trackpad to control your mouse cursor
✔ Use your iPad's on-screen keyboard to type on your computer
✔ Standardizes basic controls across all supported 3D applications
✔ Quick auto-connect for frequently used connections
✔ Only authorized people can connect to your computer
✔ Connects to your computer via Wi-Fi or ad hoc network

It can be downloaded at www.maideinc.com/downloads .

via: Maide, Inc.

以 Google Maps 呈現賈伯斯的一生 / Steve Jobs’ Life – Mapped on Google Maps

Steve Jobs 的一生以 Google Maps 呈現，內容從出生、求學、創立Apple、史丹佛大學演講、介紹iPhone、直到辭世等重要事件介紹(部分含影片)，點擊圖片後左下角有播放控制按鈕, 可前後、停止及自動播放。

Steve Jobs’ journey of Life on Google Maps. This map animates thru events in Steve Jobs’ life, from birth, school,college,creation of Apple,introducing iPhone and finally his death.

via:  Steve Jobs’ Life – Mapped on Google Maps