How does google maps get the street view?
The Google Maps Street View feature provides panoramic street-level images from cities around the world. Obtaining these images is an undertaking that involves extensive manpower, a large fleet of vehicles and the latest technology, all with consideration for privacy and legal issues.CoverageStreet View launched in May 2007 with coverage in five U.S. cities. Coverage has since expanded throughout North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, with plans for increased coverage.VehiclesTo obtain Street View images, vehicles with attached cameras are driven down public streets, capturing pictures from various angles. Vans were used originally but have since been replaced by cars that vary by region. Google also uses the “Trike,” a human-powered tricycle that tows the camera set up, allowing for access of public areas that can’t be reached by cars.TechnologyStreet View vehicles are equipped with nine directional cameras, a GPS unit and laser range scanners.ProcessingAfter the photograp
