Google Street View is one of Google technologies featured in Google Maps, Google Earth, a stand-alone app on IOS and Android, and a web app.
Launched in 2007, it was available in several cities in the United States and has expanded to other countries and rural areas worldwide over the years.
Most photography on Google or Google Maps is either done by car, tricycle, boat and as well as on foot.
While Google Maps usually only showcases main roads, Google Street View allows you to explore world landmarks, discover natural wonders, and step inside locations such as museums, arenas, restaurants, and small businesses.
Using the phone app allows users to upload images on the go, providing an interactive platform for interactive panoramas from different positions along many streets worldwide. You can download the phone app on both the App Store for IOS and the Google Play Store for Android.
Allowing users to upload images has tremendously helped Google over the years. According to Wikipedia, “Google announced in May 2017 that it had captured more than 10 million miles of Street View imagery across 83 countries. Maps also include panoramic views taken underwater such as in West Nusa Tenggara underwater coral, inside museums, and Liwa Desert in the United Arab Emirates.”
Google’s Street View feature is developed and maintained by the Finland company Authori. According to Google, “Autori revolutionized road maintenance across Finland, one Street View image at a time.”
Founded in 1988, Autori provides a Software as a Service solution for Finland’s road authorities, contractors, and third-party consultants for condition management, action planning, and maintenance coordination. Using their own Street View images and SaaS solution, Google claims that Autori has created a tool for better road and road maintenance infrastructure data and decision making in Finland.
Google also allows business owners to showcase their businesses using Google Street View tools. You can capture and publish 360 images yourself with Street View-compatible gear, using professional tools to create an immersive experience for your customers, and use the Street View app to share, transfer, or publish 360 photos to Google Maps. You can purchase the professional gear from Google here.
Among other features on the app, you can try the “Video Mode” where you can connect 360 cameras and create Street View as you walk, bike, or drive. This new mode records video from your camera and converts it into connected Street View images when you publish to Google Maps. Now you can add new streets and trails where Street View cars have never driven before.
Or you can work with professionals who specialize in capturing captivating images for Google Maps.
Before doing so, make sure you are familiar with Google’s publishing policies that you can find here.
Here are some fun facts about Google Street View from the Google Maps page:
- Since its launch, the Street View cars have driven more than 10 million miles in over 70 countries.
- The same camera system has also been mounted on tricycles, snow machines, boats, dog sleds, and even the backs of camels to allow us to travel worldwide.
- Through the Street View mobile application, you can explore Google’s images and collections. You can also add your own 360 photographs.
- There are now several 360 cameras that connect directly to the app.
- You can share Street View images via the URL that displays images in the browser.
- You can embed an image on a web page using HTML code.
Here’s a guide on how to use Google Street View on a Computer or Mobile device: Click here.
Through Street View features, Google enhances its goal of providing useful and accurate images.
With Google Earth and other Geo Tools, you can develop creative, interactive approaches to enriching geospatial knowledge.
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