Urban Jungle Street View Fills Google Maps with Endless Plants
Jamie Danielle Munro — March 18, 2014 — Art & Design
Transforming regular Google Street View images into an urban jungle landscape, this experiment by Einar Öberg dives deep into the unknown depths of this program to give users an entirely new experience.
Instead of seeing streets how they are in everyday life, Urban Jungle Street View allows users to see things in a different, almost apocalyptic manner. Trees are popping up all over in Times Square, and the prominent branding normally seen in this area is subsequently diminished. The experiment makes one question the development of the modern world, and whether or not urbanization is a good thing. At least for a moment these Google Street View images remind users of what busy hubs could look like if surrounded by vegetation.
Instead of seeing streets how they are in everyday life, Urban Jungle Street View allows users to see things in a different, almost apocalyptic manner. Trees are popping up all over in Times Square, and the prominent branding normally seen in this area is subsequently diminished. The experiment makes one question the development of the modern world, and whether or not urbanization is a good thing. At least for a moment these Google Street View images remind users of what busy hubs could look like if surrounded by vegetation.
Trend Themes
1. Apocalyptic Street View - There's an opportunity to create augmented reality or virtual reality tours of popular tourist destinations, simulating what those spots would look like in the aftermath of an apocalyptic event
2. Urban Jungle-ification - Urban planning firms could leverage this trend to create new city proposals that feature more green spaces and less man-made structures and roads
3. Digital Art Installations - Museums and galleries could commission digital art installations that transform famous landmarks and tourist spots into lush, overgrown landscapes
Industry Implications
1. Maps and Navigation - There's an opportunity to create a new app or feature that overlays digital vegetation onto live Google Maps views, helping people find the closest green spaces in their cities
2. Environmental Conservation - Environmental conservation organizations could use this trend to illustrate the importance of green spaces and promote sustainability practices for urban environments
3. Tourism - Travel companies could leverage this trend to create unique eco-tourism experiences that take visitors on a journey to explore and learn about urban plant life
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