Google Terrain Hints at Topo Features

Google TerrainI admit I am something of a Google Maps fanboy.

Starting with their user-friendly search interface, Google mapmeisters have continued to innovate with features like drag-and-drop multi-stop directions, traffic density views, user-generated maps, and most recently, the Street View. Good stuff for real estate-related information gathering.

Now, they’ve added a new layer–Terrain, which provides topographic information for the map you’re viewing. Just like using the satellite view or traffic views, just type in the address want, then click the “Terrain” button in the upper righthand corner.

It isn’t particularly detailed and you can’t zoom in as far as other views, but it does give a quick peek at whether that listing you’re researching is in a canyon, on top of a ridge, or in the flats.

Close-up of West Hills
Google Terrain closeup

For an out-of-town buyer or someone unfamiliar with Portland-area topography, it’s very useful information, especially if the Street View is not available at that location.

[tags] Portland, Oregon, real estate, Google, maps, topography, terrain, search [/tags]

November 29, 2007 · Filed Under Communities, Diversions, First-Time Buyers, Relocation

Comments

One Response to “Google Terrain Hints at Topo Features”

  1. geotrotter on November 30th, 2007 12:33 am

    Here is some Terrain views on Google Maps : http://www.geo-trotter.com/cat-relief.php

Leave a Reply




CAPTCHA Image
*