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by h1fra 29 days ago
Not entirely related, but Google Maps is still showing satellite images from 5 years ago in Paris, one of the most visited cities in the world, and it's not even updated once a year. I don't get it.
4 comments

In Germany it seems to have moved to the 3D photogrammetry data for anything with pixel sizes smaller than a car; is that maybe also the case for Paris?

I do understand that it's sad they don't calculate orthographic images from that to replace their satellite views in these areas though; full 3D is severely more resource intensive on the client after all.

The most unfortunate thing about Google's 3D photogrammetry is that they don't allow you to view historical captures, as they only serve the flattened 2D version there. For the time being, the only resource for these captures are various Microsoft Flight Simulator addons where people dumped Google's photogrammetry data to add scenery not included in the built-in photogrammetry coverage.
Many similar cases accross Europe.

Visited Lisboa last summer, the building where I booked an apartment was not even there in Google Maps, satellite image data was showing a leveled site with some dumpsters.

Just checked and the images are still the same old ones...

There's no promo packet material in spending money on making the product a bit better with up to date imagery so why would anyone bother?
Half the company is happy coasting at their level and isn't even trying for promo.
And the top of Google is laying off anyone who spends a dime that isn't triple-justified.
How about Gemini Maps? Maps that fill the gaps!
Oh wait, it's already in progress... Nevermind.
I'm sure they can't wait to work on your personal pet peeve and get that sweet promo endorsement just from you.

(Seriously, it's not like anyone here is paying a cent to use GMaps.)

That is aerial imagery and Paris is a major metro that gets the 3D treatment. I wouldn't expect them to update that regularly.