Users who request driving directions on Google Maps will now be able to access one additional option: Helicopter view. This view allows users to get a fly-through of their route. The addition of this feature coincides with several minor design changes and a new “My Location” location finding feature.

Users who have the Google Earth plug-in installed on their computer will see a new option when they request driving directions on Google Maps. The newly added "play in 3D" button will take users on a helicopter fly-over of their route that gives a sense of the landscapes and landmarks the trip will take them to.

While the fly-over is in process, the step-by-step directions will remain visible in a column on the left, with the current leg of the voyage being highlighted. Users can quickly swap back to 2D mode from this column as well.

You can check out more details on the official feature announcement.

Google Maps is also seeing some updates to its look and feel. The primary differences are an updated pin (the new one has a lighter border), more natural placement and design for the on-map controls, and more prominent navigation buttons for "Directions" and "My Places."

They’ve also added a new feature called “My Location,” which uses the GeoLocation API to find your approximate physical location and make it the starting or ending point for directions. The first time you see it, your browser will ask you to opt in, in which case the “My Location” dot on the map turns from grey to blue. Depending on the browser, users can choose to have the setting remembered, or opt in each time.

Google Maps doesn't store your physical location and “My Location” can be turned off completely through the browser. This new feature eliminates the need to type in an address for either the origin or destination each time a user searches for directions from their mobile.

These design updates are part of ongoing changes to Google Maps which started in June, took a leap forward in July, and are continuing now. The updated design, which focuses on a cleaner look, is unsurprising considering the sweeping design changes that have been happening across Google properties since the release of Google+.

Speaking of updated designs, those who check out the original announcement linked above will note a different look on the Google LatLong blog. LatLong, like several other Google blogs, is trying out the dynamic views introduced by Blogger last week.

Bing has launched a new set of maps that weary travelers are sure to appreciate. Airport Maps include directions to and from, with a sortable directory of services and stores within the airport.

Airport stores and kiosks can be sorted by business type, or the level on which they’re located. They’ve also included also find information on parking, ticket counters, baggage claims, currency exchange and more.

From the main airport map, visitors can view current traffic speeds on a scale of slow to fast with four options, an aerial or bird’s eye view of the airport, or a view of the airport streetside (not available at all airports).

Clicking on a business or service name from the listings takes visitors to a zoomed-in map showing what’s nearby. Clicking on the business listing shows information about the store/service including features, menu, hours of operation, etc. Visitors can also search the level on which they’re located within the airport.

On a desktop, use Bing Maps and search by city, state, or airport code. The Map option is also available in search results when checking flight statuses. Bing urges travelers to check back often, as they plan on adding new airports to the list.

This is a much-needed improvement over the types of airport maps currently available and many will find it a far better alternative to stumbling around aimlessly in those concrete cells they trap us in a few hours before travel. Bing has not yet created an alternative to the invasive naked bodyscan, nor have they come up with a way to make pat-downs more enjoyable. For these reasons, we can only give this new service: 4 stars out of 5.