Suggestion for a Historical Layer on Google Maps

Google Maps tips & tricks
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Dear Google Maps Team,

I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to share an idea that could enhance the user experience and celebrate our shared history through your platform.

Imagine a feature that allows users to toggle a “Historical Layer” on Google Maps. This layer could display historical sites, buildings, and monuments that have since been demolished or transformed. By integrating old satellite images, users could see how locations have evolved over time.

Additionally, this feature could encourage users to upload historical photos, providing a richer context and personal stories behind these places. This nostalgic overview would not only engage history enthusiasts but also educate the general public about the cultural heritage of their surroundings.

I believe this addition would be a wonderful enhancement to Google Maps, making it a valuable resource for exploring the past. Thank you for considering this suggestion!

As an Exmaple here:

historiclayer
historiclayer802×1098 227 KB

Best regards,

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Hi @Grand_Al

Thanks for your suggestion.

Google recently announced a further roll out of the “go back in time” feature related to sattellite and arial photos in Google Maps on Desktop. It is quite facinating.

Read about Travel back in time with Earth — and plan projects more efficiently

I posted some related stuff and someone mentioned the look back in time feature here. And I responded this.

Regarding uploading historic photos in Maps: This is a reoccurring discussion. It is my opinion that this should be avoided and shared on other relevant platforms. The proabably main focus of Maps is to help users navigate the world as it currently looks. Historic photos will not help people find places and decide if they will pay a visit in the future. Also, the dates on such photos will be way off and misleading.

Cheers
Morten

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