Oh no! Google Maps no! Please don't cancel 45° imagery!

[Dylan Leblanc]

Google says they will be removing the oblique 45° imagery from the Google Maps API, which is the map system used here on the website. I head about this a few months ago, and just received this email from them today. They suggest using Google Maps 3D if you need oblique imagery, but it's a lot more expensive, is difficult to use, and just not as simple and elegant as the current 45° imagery which works perfectly for the needs of the maps here on the website.

I will write them to suggest they use pre-rendered 45° views from the 3D Maps data to continue providing oblique imagery in the standard Google Maps API.

Here's the email I received from Google:

Hello Google Maps Platform customer,

We are writing to remind you of changes regarding the 45° Imagery in the Maps JavaScript API.

What you need to know

45° Imagery provides an aerial view of the world, where objects are viewed with an angle, giving an additional perspective (in certain locations only). Example with 45° Imagery on the left vs. top-down imagery on the right:



Key changes:
As of version 3.65, to be released in May 2026, Maps JavaScript API satellite and hybrid map types no longer automatically switch to 45° Imagery at higher zoom levels. Where 45° Imagery is available, the map shows the top-down satellite view even as the user zooms in. The SetTilt() method will also no longer be effective to display 45° Imagery.

This imagery is already in maintenance mode and no longer being refreshed.

These changes apply only to the satellite and hybrid map types. Base road maps and 3D maps will not be affected.

Potential impact:
Customers and applications relying on 45° Imagery for their use-cases need to switch to using alternatives, for instance 3D maps.

What you need to do

Action Required:
Ensure that you have switched to alternatives and ceased to rely on 45° Imagery before version 3.64 is discontinued, starting February 2027.

Timelines:

• May 2026: Release of Maps JavaScript API version 3.65, with 45° Imagery support removed.
• February 2027: Version 3.64 will no longer be available. 45° Imagery will no longer be available on any available Maps JavaScript API version.

Impacted projects:

The projects listed below use a higher than average rate or amount of 45° Imagery:
https://skyscraperpage.com