Google and Volkswagen - Google Earth In-Car Navigation

Reuters reports that Volkswagen’s American unit is working on incorporating an in-car navigation system into their cars using “Google Earth” mapping technology. The Google software would give drivers a bird’s eye view of the road ahead.

The two companies are working with the graphics chipmaker Nvidia Corp. to build an in-car navigation map system and a three-dimensional display so passengers can recognize where they are in relation to the surrounding topography.

The car manufacturer showed off the prototype car at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.

A spokesman for the automaker said there were no definite plans to use the technology inside cars. But the collaboration between the automaker and Google shows the progress the Web search leader is making expanding beyond the computer realm.

How much of a distraction will it add to be able to “play” with such a cool tool while you drive? Being able to see the buildings and the landmarks for reference is much easier than a regular flat map with a moving marker on it but will it also be a distraction?