Earlier in the year we wrote about the latest additions of the ever growing Google Maps. We shared images from the Grand Canyon and even explored the impact of Google Glass and how they could potentially benefit your travelling experience. This time, Google has done it again with the first Google Maps capture of both land and sea in one expedition – the stunning Galpágos Islands.
Situated within the Eastern Pacific Ocean, highlights of the 10 day expedition included giant tortoises, lava fields and active volcanoes including Sierra Negra. Imagine having this as a job and being able to film your own adventures across the globe; then having them stitched in to the rest of the ever expanding Google Maps!
We’re definitely up for that!
Although this is the first time obtaining imagery from both land and sea on a simultaneous expedition, it is in fact the second time that Google has obtained underwater footage. The first was in 2012 when staff made a visit down under to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
According to Google’s official blog, the advance of important scientific research is the main reason behind capturing the beauty of the world on Street View cameras, as changes can be recorded and monitored over a set period of time. Google believes that learning is a vital key in order to protect and preserve these beautiful places, with the Maps serving as an important source of virtual information in order to inspire others to learn about places such as the Galpágos Islands.
With an aim to provide the most comprehensive and accurate map of the entire world, Google’s virtual panoramas and street views really do make the world more accessible from the comfort of your own home… we wonder what’s going to be the next location to cross off our virtual bucket list!
The recent Galpágos Islands footage will be uploaded to Google Maps later in the year.
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If you could take the Google Street Map cameras with you anywhere in the world – where would you go?
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(Image credit: Google and the Catlin Seaview Survey)