Baidu Maps

Truly impressive: Baidu (“the Google of China”) doesn’t use satellite imagery for its maps, instead it uses isometric, Simcity-style sprites.

Baidu map of Shanghai

It’s beautiful to look at, and with the crystal clear delineation of buildings, roadways, and landmarks, it’s likely a very effective navigational tool as well. The sheer scale of this blows my mind. I can’t even begin to fathom how much time and effort went into creating this much artwork to paint an entire city.

Bing’s bird eye view is the only service I can think of that comes close to this, but is far from impressive at times,

Bing map of Shanghai

h/t ronnestam.com, VisualJournalism