Google Street View heads indoors


28 Oct 2011

Google Maps with Street View

Google Street View is taking its cameras indoors to shops and other businesses found on Google Maps.

The move is part of a pilot project and an extension of Google Street View, which gives users a 360-degree view of places outdoors.

For those worried about privacy regarding Google photography teams being indoors, there’s no need, according to Google.

The internet search giant has been inviting the most-searched types of businesses to request a visit by the Google team, and thus the businesses participate on a voluntary basis. However, before a photo shoot begins, the business must inform its customers and employees. Google has also vowed to blur out or not publish images that include bystanders, BBC News Online reported.

The Google photographers will use fish-eye and wide-angle lenses to produce 360-degree images.

Business owners will also be able to upload their own photos to the service, and may request their removal. Terms and conditions do not include a commitment to comply.

Google said all photographs taken will become its property and they may be used for other applications.