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How to Switch a Map App to 3D View

Tap a step to follow along in order.

  1. Open a map app

    Launch the map app with the area you want to view in 3D on screen.

  2. Drag two fingers upward

    Placing two fingers on the map and dragging upward tilts the view and switches it into 3D perspective.

  3. Find the 3D button (alternative)

    Some apps also offer a dedicated "3D" button in a corner of the screen that switches the view with a single tap.

  4. Rotate with two fingers

    Twisting two fingers as if turning a dial rotates the 3D view to whatever angle you want.

  5. Why this is useful

    Being able to see a building's height and shape makes it much easier to spot an unfamiliar building or take in a city's skyline.

See what a building really looks like

A flat map alone can't show you a building's height or three-dimensional shape. Switching to 3D view gives you a much more realistic sense of an unfamiliar building or area.

3D detail depends on where you are

Detailed 3D building models are only available in major cities and areas where that data has been built out; everywhere else typically shows only simplified terrain in three dimensions rather than modeled buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is every area shown in full 3D?

No β€” detailed 3D buildings are only available for major cities or areas where that data has been mapped, while other areas typically show only simplified 3D terrain.

How do I switch back to flat view from 3D?

Dragging two fingers downward on the map switches it back to the flat, top-down view.