Flyover is a feature on Apple Maps that allows users to view certain cities in a 3D setting. Flyover also allows users to take "tours" of these cities, showcasing various landmarks in the area.[1][2]
| Initial release | September 19, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Platform | iOS, iPadOS, macOS |
| Available in | Multiple languages |
History
Flyover was announced along with Apple Maps at the WWDC 2012.[3] Initially, Flyover was mostly only available in major cities, such as New York City and San Francisco. However, smaller cities began to receive Flyover in later years, with Apple often adding Flyover to multiple cities at a time.[4][5]
In 2013, Flyover was added to Paris, as well as smaller cities such as Indianapolis, Baltimore and Cologne in Germany.[6][7]
Flyover was added to around 10 cities, including Cape Town and two Arizona National Parks in 2014.[8][9]
Flyover was added to over 20 cities and locations in 2015, including Canberra and Venice.[10][11] Another 20 were added in 2016 as well.[12]
2019 saw Apple's biggest Flyover expansion, with the feature being added to over 30 cities in France, Japan, the United States, and others.[13]
After 2019, Apple largely stopped adding Flyovers, largely in favor of working on the newer Look Around feature. However, Apple has recently added some new Flyovers, expanding to Amsterdam in 2020[14] and Vienna in 2023.[15]
Use
Apple collects the 3D data used for Flyover by using small drone-like planes, which fly up close to buildings to create a more detailed map. Since 2013, C3 Technologies, which was acquired by Apple in 2011, has collected the data used for Flyover.[16]
With Flyover, certain locations — mostly big cities, landmarks and some national parks — can be seen from a birds-eye perspective. The three-dimensional views are photo-realistic, and users can change the perspective.[17] Most, but not all cities with Flyover allow 3D tours of the given city, where a quick virtual tour of various landmarks in the city will be shown.[18]
Coverage
Flyovers are available in various cities and national parks across 28 countries in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.[19]
Controversy
In 2013, the Norwegian government denied a request by Apple to add Flyover to Oslo, the Norwegian capital, citing security concerns arising from the amount of detail given to buildings, information which could potentially be used to carry out terrorist attacks.[20][21] As of 2023, Flyover remains unavailable in Oslo.
See also
References
- ^ "What Is the Flyover Feature in Apple Maps?". AppleToolBox. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Take awesome VR tours with Apple Map's Flyover feature". CNET. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple Announces New Maps App at WWDC 2012". Local Splash. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "New Flyover and indoor maps locations now available in Apple Maps". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple adds 11 more cities to Flyover on its maps". Actualidad iPhone. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple expands 3D Flyover coverage in Maps to Cape Town and Helsinki". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple's Maps being updated often and significantly". The Loop. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple Adds New Flyover Locations to Maps, Siri Movie Showtimes in More Countries". MacRumors. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple expands 3D Flyover coverage in Maps to Cape Town and Helsinki". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple Adds 20 New Flyover Locations to Maps". MacRumors. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple adding 9 new 3D Flyover locations to Maps". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple Adds 20 New Flyover Locations Around the World, New Maps Info in Taiwan and Finland". MacRumors. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple Maps Gains New Indoor Mall Maps and Flyover Locations". MacRumors. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple Maps Expands Public Transit Information and 3D View in Portugal and the Netherlands". MacRumors. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Wien bald in 3D: Apple Maps vermisst Hauptstadt (in German)". oe24. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "How Apple Creates 3D Flyover Maps". Apple Gazette. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Apple: Maps". Retrieved December 30, 2015.
- ^ "Take Flyover tours in Maps on iPhone". Apple Inc. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "iOS and iPadOS 17 Feature Availability". Apple Inc. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Why Norway is blocking Apple Maps from taking 3D images of Oslo". The Washington Post. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Norway Blocks Apple From 3D Mapping Oslo For Maps App Flyover View". Huff Post. Retrieved 12 September 2023.