As Apple says sorry, Google Maps gets a little better

Google Maps is getting a facelift in some parts of the world.

The search giant today announced that it has released new 45-degree imagery for 51 cities around the world, including 37 in the U.S. In one example, Google shows off its 45-degree view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In another, The Forks in Winnipeg, Canada, are on display.

Google has chosen a host of rather surprising locations for its 45-degree view, including Billings, Mont.; Utica, N.Y.; and Lancaster, Calif. The company has also added more well-known locales, like Detroit.

Google also said that it has updated its aerial and satellite imagery in Google Maps and Earth. The update includes new visuals for 112 countries and regions, as well as 17 cities.

The updated Google Maps comes as Apple finds itself in a bit of a mess over its alternative, Maps. That application, which is built into iOS 6, replaced Google Maps in the operating system, and was billed as a fitting replacement. Instead, the app has come with a host of issues, including inaccurate data and duplicated locales.

Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly apologized for Maps' problems in a note to customers today, saying that his company "fell short" on its goal of making "world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers." Cook also offered some alternatives iOS users should consider as his company works to improve Maps.

"While we're improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app," Cook wrote.