Google continues to map its own 3D version of the world, one city at a time, encouraging municipalities to load up databases of buildings in order to gain the benefits of engaging the public in planning, fostering economic development, and more.

Their latest release of Google Earth includes a familiar sort of interface element to those used to the HUD based movement commands of Second Life:

The latest release also includes lighting, so that 3D landscapes can be viewed by time of day. Hardly Windlight, but adds depth and texture:

Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to play catch up to Google Earth in what seems like an ever escalating war to add the best features. Their integration with 3DVIA (similar to Sketch Up but from the same group who brought us 3D XML and Virtools) allows for more detailed texturing of models.

The metaverse isn’t here yet because your avatar isn’t allowed to enter.