A new version of Google Maps for Android is due out in a few days, and it has a number of new features. Probably the most important is that it’s based on vector graphics rather than image tiles. What that means is that as you scroll through the map, you won’t have to wait for new imagery to load. Instead, it will load gradually as you move, providing a much smoother experience.

Other changes include:

• Support for two-finger gestures to tilt and rotate the map
• 3D building imagery
• Offline caching of locations you frequently use

Thanks to the offline caching capability, Google Maps 5 for Android should be reroute your turn-by-turn navigation directions in some circumstances even if you have no internet connection — but only for locations that have already been cached.

Not all phones will support all of the features. Users will need 3D graphics acceleration features and “distinct multitouch” support. For instance, the Google Nexus One reportedly won’t be able to handle the two-finger rotate capabilities because multitouch support on Google’s first branded phone aren’t good enough. Engadget has a rundown of the phones which should fully support Google Maps 5 at launch.

Google has pushed out an updated version of Google Maps for Android. As the company points out, this is the sixth update in the last six months. The biggest change in the new version is a new Places feature.

You can add a dedicated Places button to your home screen. Tapping on the icon will open the new Places tab in Google Maps, which lets you search for places near your current location. Or you can tap on icons for access to common searches such as Restaurants, Coffee, or Gas Stations. You can also add custom searches to this page.

The update also adds business hours to place pages, as well as other details such as menu links and parking information. You should also see compass information and distance information, letting you know how to get to those nearby places.

Google Maps 4.4 is available for Android 1.6 and up, and you can download the app for free from the Android Market.

Google has pushed out an updated version of Google Maps for Android with a couple of minor, but useful improvements. First up, when you’re viewing a list of search results, Google Maps 4.3 will automatically expand as you scroll down the list.

Google Latitude will also now suggest friends for you to add, if you’re into that sort of thing. And when you click on a public transit stop, you’ll see upcoming departure info — which would be infinitely more useful if Google could make sure the next train will actually arrive on time. But some things are probably too much to ask from your phone.

Google Maps 4.3 is available as a free download/updated from the Android Market.