The Google Street View Trekker Takes the Company's Maps to the Next Level
Michael Hines — June 8, 2012 — Tech
References: google-latlong.blogspot & dvice
Google is taking its world mapping one step further with the Street View Trekker. The Street View Trekker is a new gadget that allows Google engineers to map areas only accessible by two legs.
The entire system weighs in at 40 pounds and is powered by Android. The system's batteries have enough juice to last all day, which may be about 16 hours longer than the person lugging it around will last. The Street View Trekker is designed only for outdoor use; Google's Luc Vincent said indoor images would come out "too blurry." For now, the system is still being tested by Google employees. Once all of the bugs are found, Google plans to possibly partner up with outside agencies, and may even rent out the Street View backpack.
The entire system weighs in at 40 pounds and is powered by Android. The system's batteries have enough juice to last all day, which may be about 16 hours longer than the person lugging it around will last. The Street View Trekker is designed only for outdoor use; Google's Luc Vincent said indoor images would come out "too blurry." For now, the system is still being tested by Google employees. Once all of the bugs are found, Google plans to possibly partner up with outside agencies, and may even rent out the Street View backpack.
Trend Themes
1. Outdoor Mapping Technology - Opportunity for companies to develop lightweight backpacks equipped with mapping technology for outdoor exploration and data collection.
2. Extended Battery Life - Opportunity for manufacturers to create longer-lasting batteries for portable devices, opening up possibilities for extended usage in various industries.
3. Partnerships with Mapping Agencies - Opportunity for mapping agencies to collaborate with Google and use the Street View Trekker technology to enhance their own mapping capabilities.
Industry Implications
1. Outdoor Recreation - Potential for outdoor recreation companies to utilize the Street View Trekker backpacks to create virtual tours of hiking trails and remote locations.
2. Technology Hardware - Demand for lightweight and rugged hardware components that can be integrated into mapping devices for outdoor use.
3. Tourism and Travel - Travel agencies and tourism boards can leverage the Street View Trekker to provide immersive virtual experiences of destinations to potential travelers.
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