Googel has introduced Google Maps 5.0 for Android with two significant new features: 3D interaction and offline reliability.
In order to create these features, Maps has been using vector graphics to dynamically draw the map as you use it. Building a vector graphics engine capable of achieving the visual quality and performance level you expect from Google Maps was a major technical challenge and enables all sorts of future possibilities.
More Info: http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2010/12/under-hood-of-google-maps-50-for.html
