Google removes traffic and cars from satellite imagery

[chays]

Apologies if this has been posted, I searched and found nothing.

Note: You must have 3D turned ON to see this (click on the "3-lines" icon next to the search bar and turn on 3D)

I was scanning the Rio area because of the upcoming Olympics, and noticed something conspicuously absent from all the major roads and highways: cars and traffic imagery.  It appears as if Google has removed them to show just roadways.

See here: https://www.google.com/maps/@-22.8477479,-43.2423694,362m/data=!3m1!1e3

I check a few other areas of interest and the same thing.
Los Angeles: https://www.google.com/maps/@34.026665,-118.2341144,396m/data=!3m1!1e3
Orlando: https://www.google.com/maps/@28.5400372,-81.3818882,564m/data=!3m1!1e3

I have not really don't much searching around, but it is clear that not all areas are given this treatment.  Here is some imagery from Maui: https://www.google.com/maps/@20.8773425,-156.6774631,246m/data=!3m1!1e3

I don't recall reading about this, and am not sure how long it has been like this.  I can think of pros and cons for showing or not showing traffic and cars.

[SidS1045]

Just checked all your links, and all the roads have vehicles showing.

[chays]

Just checked all your links, and all the roads have vehicles showing.

Weird, here's what I see for Rio:

[kphoger]

I was scanning the Rio area because of the upcoming Olympics, and noticed something conspicuously absent from all the major roads and highways: cars and traffic imagery.  It appears as if Google has removed them to show just roadways.

See here: https://www.google.com/maps/@-22.8477479,-43.2423694,362m/data=!3m1!1e3

This link directs me to this image:

[chays]

I was scanning the Rio area because of the upcoming Olympics, and noticed something conspicuously absent from all the major roads and highways: cars and traffic imagery.  It appears as if Google has removed them to show just roadways.

See here: https://www.google.com/maps/@-22.8477479,-43.2423694,362m/data=!3m1!1e3

This link directs me to this image:

I wonder if you open a new session and go there without using my link, if it would make a difference.

Here's what I see in my Los Angeles link:

[kphoger]

Nope.  I opened a new session and dragged my view to the exact location in Rio you linked to and snipped.  At all zoom levels, there is traffic showing on the roads.

[Chris]

That's the difference between 3D turned on or off.

You can change it at the menu on the left.

[chays]

That's the difference between 3D turned on or off.

You can change it at the menu on the left.

Thank you!  Edited original post to clarify this.

[vdeane]

Found some vehicles in the 3D view: https://www.google.com/maps/@40.8454638,-73.9290413,274m/data=!3m1!1e3

Oddly enough, some appear to be half there, half not.

[froggie]

It's related to the process they're using to create the 3D renditions.