Google Street View on Training Wheels
By Sam PascuaGoogle Street View cars are going up and down streets around the world, recording images for use in Google Maps. But now Google is trying to expand its viewing capabilities by switching to tricycle-based cameras.
These high-tech white tricycles carry a generator and around eight cameras mounted on a telescoping pole that can be raised and lowered. Clearly labelled with Google-branded stickers, they’re sure to capture the interest of passersby. Right below the handlebars, there is a numeric keypad, perhaps used for controlling the cameras. The contraption must be quite heavy, but Google has strong cyclists pedalling them around Europe and the United States.
So why did Google add these high-tech tricycles to its fleet of Google Street View cars? Presumably the tricycles can be taken on the bike paths, narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, and other areas where it would be difficult or impossible for a car to go.
We’re looking forward to seeing a whole new set of images on Google Street View, from the cyclist’s perspective.
1 Comment
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.