What is the point of Google Street view?
Street View is potentially a very useful tool for tourists – I used it a lot before I visited New York last year. I found my hotel and “walked” along the route to it before I even left my house 😉 It can also be of use when you’re trying to find a particular shop or business (e.g. if you’re going for a job interview or something) and don’t want to spend half an hour traipsing round the streets trying to find it. Potential homebuyers and tenants might also find it useful, as it allows you to find out what an area really looks like instead of relying on agents’ airbrushed photos (carefully framed photographs that don’t include the neighbouring house with the BNP posters in the windows, or the graffiti covered, window smashed bus shelter outside). It at least allows you to see if a house is in a crap area without having to waste time and money travelling there or arranging a viewing. Anyway, those are some of the plus points. Now onto the criticism. Google’s argument is that they’re not
Because it’s perfectly legal to do so; no invasion of privacy whatsoever (because the street is public space). Street View has many applications, like checking out if a hotel or apartment you might want to live in is in a good looking neighboorhood or so you can actually see the building you’re looking for directions too. I really don’t see how it’s a tool for a burgler or crook. I mean, that’s just stupid to think that. To “case” a joint takes more than 1 picture taken months ago of the front of your house. And how on earth can terrorists use that? They cannot.
It doesn’t work that way, basically Google send out cars with 360 degree camera things mounted on top which take a photo every half-second or so while driving along. I once saw one in town, it was all black and had the Google logo on the side. As for the thing itself, I guess it’s to get a more in-depth look at streets that you can’t get any good details of on Google Earth/Maps.
As it happens I use the Street View for my journey planning. Travelling up and down the country looking for hotels in the middle of city’s can be tricky – especially when the SatNav can’t find the postcodes. With Street View I can take note particular buildings or shops – so when I get to where I’m going – I know exactly where to be going!
