Google launches 3D UK street maps

You might have used Google maps before to find out where places are
in the world and to get directions on how to get there

Google maps has now gone a step further with a new piece of technology added into the Google maps format which will let you explore the UK in even more depth and in an easier way.

The new addition is called Street View which is a type of 3D map which is built up of millions of photos taken of the selected city streets and people’s homes. Street view was released in the United States two years ago and came with mixed criticism, although Street View opened up a more real 3D experience for people using Google maps, people argued it was an invasion of privacy and made it easy for burglars to spot potential targets.

Street view is also available in countries such as France, Italy and even Australia. At the moment you can see 25 cities around the UK but what happens if Street maps is a success in the UK will they release more 3D outlooks of cities or just keep it the same.

The places currently available to see on Street view are Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Coventry, Derby, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Oxford, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Scunthorpe, Sheffield, Southampton, Swansea and York.

This opens up a whole new experience to maps but is it a breach of privacy or just a more detailed map I asked two people on their thoughts.

First I asked Simon he commented” Its only 25 cities, I think its an interesting use of Google Maps and as its not a live feed I don’t see why it could invade anybody’s privacy.”

I then asked Gabriel for his thoughts on the new Street view feature on Google Maps, Gabriel commented “It’s a good idea for people who cant get around to see places that they have always wanted to go to in 3D vision but they should make sure the program is safe and secure.”