How Do Google 3D Maps Work?
Google 3D maps, referred to as Google Street View, was launched in 2007 and features 3D panorama maps of cities, streets, national parks and some bike trails. Street view is available for almost a dozen countries.
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Acquiring Photos
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Google reports on their website that they have utilized a van, car and 3-wheeled tricycle with camera attachments to take tens of millions of images for Street View. The vehicles feature a platform with nine cameras used to take a 360-degree view of the location, a GPS unit for positioning and laser range scanners.
Putting Pictures On Google Maps
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Photographs go through computer processing after being collected on the ground. Afterwards, Google uses a process where they "sew" the photos together to give you the 360 degree image seen on Google Maps.
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Protecting Privacy
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After Google Street View's launch, concern arose about the privacy of those caught in photos. Google has since added a face blurring technology so that those pictured on Google Street View are no longer identifiable. The website also blurs legible license plates.
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