Users of Google Maps can now get a 3D birds-eye view of a route while planning road trips, hiking trips, biking or a regular city commute, thanks to the addition of new "helicopter view" feature.

The new feature gives the user an aerial view of the route. In other words the user will feel as if he is in a helicopter flying above the recommended route.

Users of Google Maps can enter start, mid and endpoint destinations to receive directions as usual, and there will appear a 3D play button next to the returned directions.

Speaking on the “helicopter view” feature, Google Maps engineer Paul Yang said, “The map will switch to Earth view and automatically start flying you along your recommended route.”

A user can put the 3D preview in suspension by searching off-route areas on the service, while continue to be in the 3D Earth view. In addition, the users can return to the standard 2D view by simply clicking on the 2D button, which appears in the directions panel on the left-hand side.

However, such services are often criticized by privacy experts as they believe that criminals can use these services to find and plan their next targets.