Types of Google Maps

Google Maps - Basic Map Types

The Google Maps API supports the following map types:

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

You can specify the map type using the mapTypeId property in the map's attribute object:

var mapOptions = {
  center:new google.maps.LatLng(51.508742,-0.120850),
  zoom:7,
  mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.HYBRID
;

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

map.setMapTypeId(google.maps.MapTypeId.HYBRID);

Google Maps - 45° View

SATELLITE and HYBRID map types support 45° perspective image views at certain locations (only at high zoom levels).

If you zoom in on a location with a 45° image view, the map will automatically change the perspective view. In addition, the map will also add:

• The compass wheel around the pan control, allowing you to rotate the image
• The rotation control between the pan and zoom controls, allowing you to rotate the image 90°
• The toggle control for displaying the 45° perspective view, located under the satellite control/label

Note: Zooming out on the 45° image map will restore all these changes and display the original map.

This example shows the 45° perspective view of the Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy:

Example

var mapOptions = {
  center:myCenter,
  zoom:18,
  mapTypeId:google.maps.MapTypeId.HYBRID
;

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

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

Example

map.setTilt(0);

Hint: To enable a 45° perspective later, please call setTilt(45).