Google Maps app turns learning into a game with a monster as your avatar

Google is great when it comes to helping users harness its data to learn about our world, but a new tool geared toward children takes that dynamic to a new level by turning maps into a kind of game.

Verne: The Himalayas is an app that uses the three-dimensional data from Google Maps and presents it through the guidance of a 500-foot tall friendly Yeti named Verne.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The app, which uses the Unity Game Engine, allows you to control the cartoon-style Yeti as it walks, runs, hand glides, skates and even jetpacks around the Himalayan Mountains.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The interactive exploration includes a trip up Mt. Everest, and the entire experience uses visual prompts, goals and a host voice to aid the user in learning about the area's history and geographic profile.

The educational game is free and only available on Android here.