How Google Street View uses snowmobiles and camels to capture images around the globe

Google Street View has circled the planet hundreds of times over the last 15 years.
 By 
Christianna Silva
 on 
A WIRED video about Google Street View
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A video from Wire shows us just how Google Street View has circled the planet hundreds of times over the last 15 years.

What was originally a 500-pound piece of machinery on top of a van is now a set of high tech cameras atop snowmobiles, backpacks and, yes, even camels. This has allowed tons of more places to be showcased on Google Street View — like tight corridors and alleyways that cars can't drive through, and underwater at the Great Barrier Reef.

Now, they even have algorithms that automatically blur peoples' faces and car license plates. Google's newest Street View camera weighs less than 15 pounds, and it can be mounted to any vehicle.

Topics Google

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Christianna Silva
Senior Culture Reporter

Christianna Silva is a senior culture reporter covering social platforms and the creator economy, with a focus on the intersection of social media, politics, and the economic systems that govern us. Since joining Mashable in 2021, they have reported extensively on meme creators, content moderation, and the nature of online creation under capitalism.

Before joining Mashable, they worked as an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Vogue and VICE News, and as a stablehand at a mini-horse farm. You can follow her on Bluesky @christiannaj.bsky.social and Instagram @christianna_j.


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