Choosing the scenic route wasn’t a problem in the days of fold-out maps (unless unfolding it blocked out the scenery out the front window), but these days it’s more difficult to determine when you’re just punching in starting point and destination.

For visitors with a hankering for lovely vistas, Google is now here to help with its new 3D button:

Unveiled last week, this feature allows online navigators to visualize any driving, walking or mass transit route with a 3D, bird’s-eye animation. All you have to do is enter your starting point, destination and mode of transportation, and click the new “3D” button that will appear next to each route. From there, you’ll be launched into a Google Earth-powered flight, displaying all the buildings, mountains and other terrain that you’d encounter during your real-life journey. You can also pause the flight at any moment to check out any sights of interest, along with any geo-linked photos, videos or other online content.

Never again will you drive by the world’s largest ball of string or Gatorworld without stopping for souvenirs. Thanks, Google!

Sorry, but I was just so blown away by how cool this is I had to share it — btw, I struggled at first to find the now obvious 3D button…