Google Maps Types

Google Maps - Basic Map Types

The following map types are supported in Google Maps API:

• ROADMAP (normal, default 2D map)
• SATELLITE (photographic map)
• HYBRID (photographic map + roads and city names)
• TERRAIN (map with mountains, rivers, etc.)

The map type is specified either within the Map properties object, with the mapTypeId property:

Or by calling the map's setMapTypeId() method:

Google Maps - 45° Perspective View

The map types SATELLITE and HYBRID support a 45° perspective imagery view for certain locations (only at high zoom levels).

If you zoom into a location with 45° imagery view, the map will automatically alter the perspective view. In addition, the map will add:

• A compass wheel around the Pan control, allowing you to rotate the image
• A Rotate control between the Pan and Zoom controls, allowing you to rotate the image 90°
• A toggle control for displaying the 45° perspective view, under the Satellite control/label

Note: Zooming out from a map with 45° imagery will revert each of these changes, and the original map is displayed.

The following example shows a 45° perspective view of Palazzo Ducale in Venice, Italy:

Google Maps - Disable 45° Perspective View - setTilt(0)

You can disable 45° perspective view by calling setTilt(0) on the Map object:

Tip: To enable 45° perspective view at a later point, call setTilt(45).