11
Fascinating Facts About Google Maps
1.
How much data has Google Maps accumulated?
Combining
satellite, aerial and street level imagery, Google Maps has over 20
petabytes of data, which is equal to approximately 21 million
gigabytes, or around 20,500 terabytes.
2.
How often are the images updated?
Depending
on data availability, aerial and satellite images are updated every two
weeks. Street View images are updated as quickly as possible, though
Google wasn't able to offer specific schedules, due to its dependence
on factors such as weather, driving conditions, etc.
3.
How does Google Maps monitor inappropriate content captured on Street
View?
According
to a Google spokesperson, users occasionally report "odd or unpleasant
moments" captured on Google Maps — usually in Street View. The team
works quickly to review and take action, if necessary. Users can report
an image by clicking "Report a problem" at the bottom of the image, and
those requests are regularly monitored and responded to by Google
employees.
4.
Does Google blur every individual's face?
Google
employs automatic face and license plate blurring technology to protect
people’s privacy in Street View, and users can even request additional
blurring. Aerial imagery provides much less detail and resolution.
5.
Who owns the satellites used for aerial views?
The
satellite imagery for both Google Maps and Google Earth comes from a
broad range of sources and third-party providers. The same information
is available to anyone who licenses or purchases it from widely
available public, government, commercial and private sector sources.
Image
courtesy of iStockphoto, enot-poloskun.
6.
What about private areas?
Those
who own the satellites that Google uses may choose to blur certain
areas before the satellite and aerial images reach Google. Governments
can petition satellite owners to blur certain sensitive geographical
areas, as well.
Street
View imagery is only available for public roads and private venues
through the Street View Partner Program.
7.
In which countries can you go inside museums and other buildings via
Street View?
Google
has worked with thousands of business owners in eight countries to
bring Street View technology inside buildings. The Business Photos
service is currently available in the U.S., UK, Australia, New Zealand,
France, Canada, Ireland and the Netherlands. In addition to various
businesses, you can virtually walk around the White House, the
Metropolitan Museum of Art and other famous landmarks.
Through
the Google Art
Project, you can also check out static images of art
collections from 156 museums around the world.
8.
In the history of Google Maps, how many Street View images have been
taken?
The
Street View team has taken tens of millions of images since the Street
View project began in 2007, and they've driven more than 5 million
unique miles of road.
9.
What type of camera is used for Street View?
Google
originally started with fewer camera lenses and lower quality imagery,
but now the Street View camera systems have 15 lenses and can produce
photos at about 65 megapixel resolution.
When
Street View was still in the experimental stage, the team packed
several computers in the back of an SUV and placed cameras, lasers and
a GPS device on the roof.
Image
courtesy of Google.
10.
How do the images become seamless panoramics?
The
15 lenses in the Street View camera system take photos in various
directions, and adjacent cameras on the car take overlapping pictures.
The team then aligns the photos and stitches them together to create a
continuous 360-degree panoramic image, using imaging techniques to
lessen the seams.
11.
How does the Google Maps team photograph places where the Street View
cars cannot fit or travel?
In
addition to the fleet of Street View cars, Google employs trikes,
trolleys and snowmobiles. The Trike (pictured) captures parks, trails,
college campuses, stadiums and other areas that an SUV can't access.
The
Trolley, which looks like a cross between a pushcart and box-shaped
robot, is used for navigating a building's interior and doorways.
The
Snowmobile captures images across snowy terrains. The team came up with
the idea when Vancouver held the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Whistler
Blackcomb ski resort was enthusiastic about capturing images of
Whistler Mountain.
Image
courtesy of Google.
