1. Google Earth Version: 4.2 and up

2. Operating System (Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit, Mac OS X 10.4.9, etc): Any

3. Summary of issue (including error messages): The FOV (field of view) in a PhotoOverlay is very small. This means that you can't zoom OUT very much. The FOV seems to be limited to about 60 degrees, maybe less. While I realize that a huge FOV of say 120 degrees can appear very distorted, I think it would be a very good idea for a FOV of say 90 - 100 degrees to be available. Think of it this way - if you can see 90 degrees, you can see a street corner, going in both directions. Also, a wide FOV can simply make the image more interesting - as in a landscape photo, which will often have a wide FOV.

5. Reproduction Steps: try this for example http://360cities.net/ge_kml/image/winter-sledding.kml

compare to the FOV on the panorama on our site http://360cities.net/image/winter-sledding

Yes, I would also support an increase of the FOV. The current limit is much too small and, as the poster indicates, the limit doesn't address the different types of panoramas that different people take.

I noticed the same thing in the past and first came to mind that it is a mistake!? That is a really really distracting. Is it possiple to change as similar as the 360Cities system!?

Darn tooting, 100 or 110 is the norm, On some viewers with dual monitor setups the projection can show way beyond this. 60 max makes the experience very limited as it takes a long time to view all the panorama.

Please fix this.

Wow - what a difference between the two images! I really like the wider view of the second URL, even though it introduces some perspective distortion. The sweeping view adds dramatically to the effect of the image. Limiting a FOV to 60 degrees or less is FAR to restrictive.

I favor this proposal. FOV=100 is more in the range of natural human vision, and so produces a much better, more immersive experience. It's not so large that distortion is an issue. FOV=60 produces a tunnel vision effect, which hides much of the coolness of these spherical images.

i totally agree. incorrect FOV will destroy nice work of photographers.

The way GE renders the panorama makes it look like just another still image (plus I HATE! the reverse control they use to navigate, but that's another issue). Limiting the FOV like GE does destroys the whole panorama concept and makes it just another scrollable gigapixel image (that happens to go all the way around).

GE needs to allow the photographer the ability to set the initial FOV him/herself and not limit it like they're doing now.

Clearly GE doesn't understand the concept of panoramas.

I do support an increase of the FOV. Probably to 90 degrees would be enough.

Yup I too would support this proposal, 110-120 seems to be about the limit that is required for many images of the best images. Less than this and many dramatic images loose there appeal.

Yes, a greater range of FOV values would be great. A perspective projection is best at an FOV of [60,70] degrees where wider FOVs are better visualized with a different projection. HDview will make a smooth transition between the perspective projection and what they call a "curved projection". Allowing the FOV to be set by the user would allow them to choose an FOV that is the best for their image.

FOV should be at least 100, 110 is even better. Things should go beyond natural, not otherwise.

I agree, 100%. FOV should be 80-100 as default. 60 is far too narrow. Defiantly allow up to 110 please.

I agree with FOV increase proposal.

I agree 100% too !!

The image thumbnail control in the top right corner of Earth tells the story: Look at how tiny the selection rectangle is compared with the image. That's not a panorama, it's a peek-a-boo.

Please can we increase the FOV, for greater viewing enjoyment of panoramas on Google Earth, great idea !!

Join to previous poster - please increase the default FOV!!!

Please increase the FOV.

Experience would be much better with an incereased FoV.

absolutely neeeds to be changed

Google is so close to having a great panorama viewing utility. The only missing part is the ability to increase the FOV to around 100. Since a monitor only has a limited surface, the FOV of the panorama must be wide to give the viewer a feeling of being there.

The default field of view of the panoramas is too small. A user of Google Earth viewing panorama images for the first time won't get the right impression from the default implementation in Google Earth.

it's definitively too small and should be enlargerd !!!

The field of view is still too small in:

1. Google Earth v5.0.11337.1968 (beta)

2. Operating System Windows XP SP2

3. Summary of issue (including error messages): The FOV (field of view) in a PhotoOverlay is very small. Or you can say it the other way - the initial view is too much zoomed into the image. Zooming out of the small image segment with the vertical slider is not possible.

4. Reproduction Steps: try this for example http://360cities.net/ge_kml/image/winter-sledding.kml

compare to the FOV on the panorama on our site http://360cities.net/image/winter-sledding

I agree!... It looks like a still image and is not appealing to move around to appreciate all the panoramic view. FOV needs to be closer to 100.

FOV is too narrow. Please increase it.

I agree..no way the pano will look normal at this FOV..

More to the point, Google earth users are missing out at this FOV. It makes it unyeildy to use.

I agree, please, make it wider .....

Please, increase the FOV! Presenting it the way is being done is against the very nature of what is a panoramic image.

FOV of the overlay is too small, please see the picture 2009-02-05_113907.jpg attached 6 weeks ago.

this is a really annoying issue. it takes forever to look all around because you are so zoomed in.

has anyone from GG ever read this thread ? Please do something !!!

Not only is the FOV far too zoomed in but the zoom in and zoom out tool only covers a very small FOV so the user can't select the view they like. I'm wondering why Google Earth can't read the metadata that the 360Cities.com photographers have put with each image for the opening view and FOV. Surely they photographers know how the image would appear best on opening. 360Cities.com now has over 15,000 images and is a major contributor to Google Earth's goal of digitising our beautiful planet. Surely it is worth someone's time at Google to correct this so everyone can enjoy this important contribution.

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FOV is definitely an issue, both the starting point and zoom controls

The maximum FOV is 90 degrees as of Google Earth 5.1.3506.3999

finally fixed

What about for the browser plug-in? When will it be fixed there? Max horizontal FOV still seems to be limited to 60 degrees, unless I have missed an upgrade.