Google Maps is launching a 3D version of their mapping program. It is first launching on Android any day now and then to other mobile devices. Ultimately, I assume it will come to Google Maps on your desktop.

Here is a screen shot from Search Engine Land:

This is using vector imaging and not bitmap tiles. So it requires a lot more CPU processing, but for most modern phones and computers, it should be fine.

Here is a video demo from the Wall Street Journal.

Greg Sterling also added that offline mode is coming. Greg said:

Forum discussion at Google Blogoscoped Forums.