Google takes Street View mapping to the Grand Canyon
updated 10:19 am EDT, Wed October 24, 2012
Google Trekker cameras are now Street Viewing the Grand Canyon
Google has taken its Street View effort to the depths and edges of the Grand Canyon, letting users view close up and personal photos of the natural wonder. But cars, trikes, not snowmobiles could be used for this undertaking, so Google outfitted its Street View team members with Trekker backpacks that include 360-degree view cameras. The cameras are largely autonomous, but the wearers can control them thanks to a connected Android smartphone, Google wrote.
Currently, Google is capturing images of sections of the South Rim, including the ridge, Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and more. How many were deployed isn't known, but it's at least three. Google promises the photos will be available for users to view soon, but isn't committing to any dates. The process is no doubt much slower than the other methods Google uses to gather images.
While Apple introduced its own maps with iOS 6, users of iPads and iPhones will still be able to access Street View images from within their device's browser.
