Well, Google finally improved their 3 year old Google Map images for the Riviera Maya, as well as added 54 new countries. I guess the Earth must have shifted a bit since they last photographed the area — all of my custom street map images no longer lined up!

Unfortunately, whatever day the aerial view images were taken, there were some serious clouds hanging over Playa del Carmen’s downtown area. Nonetheless, the new map images appear much clearer than the old ones. Plus, they provide great views of the two brand new shopping centers built here in the last year (Centro Maya and Plaza Las Americas). All in all, I think I like images.

I have regenerated my map images and re-geo-coded all my locations over at In The Roo, my interactive map of Playa del Carmen. If you haven’t been there in a while, please click on over. My street map coverage has been extended and I’ve also added many little tweaks here and there.