Google Enables Street View in the Amazon

If I had to compile a personal list of favorite technologies released in the past decade, the tech behind Google Earth would be near the top. I first discovered it prior to Google acquiring Keyhole, and fell in love. To be able to scour the earth in such a manner while sitting comfortably behind your PC is undoubtedly cool. And then, Google went ahead and made it even better with “Street View”. 

Could it get even better? Google thinks so. Even with Google Earth and Street View, there are many parts of the world that aren’t going to be easily captured. Cities are simple… hop in a car and drive around. But what about, oh I dunno, a place where there are few paved roads? Such as the Amazon? Believe it or not, Google even has us covered there.

With the help of the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation and custom-made equipment, Google was able to equip Amazon locals with panoramic cameras able to capture villages, forests and whatever else the Amazon might bring. What’s resulted so far is a total of 50,000 images, and with Google having left the equipment with the people there, we should continue to see regular updates and perhaps an even larger area covered.

On Google’s blog, there are numerous videos and links posted to check out, to learn how this project came together, and also to check out some recommended spots. Personal favorites of mine include path of Tumbira, a village and of course, the boat ride down the Rio Negro.

What’s next? Street View inside of caves? Bring it on.