Google backpack camera has 'wish list' for Taiwan scenic spots
CNA 2013-06-17 08:39
Google takes its Street View "Trekker", the compact backpack version of its Street View cars to Taiwan. (Internet Photo)
Google Inc. took its Street View "Trekker" — the compact backpack version of its Street View cars — to Taiwan last week, as search engine officials said they are preparing to shoot pictures of additional hard-to-access scenic locations in Taiwan.
The American firm has drafted a "wish list" of Taiwan's scenic spots for the Trekker to photograph, including public and private locations, and the company is awaiting approval for taking pictures of these locations, Google Taiwan officials told CNA on the sidelines of a June 13 local media gathering on travel search rankings.
Officials from the world's largest search engine, however, declined to reveal its target numbers of locations in Taiwan or any timetable for the Trekker's mission, adding that it will announce the results when it finishes its shooting plan.
This wearable backpack is outfitted with a camera system on top, and its portability enables operators to gather images while maneuvering through tight, narrow spaces or locations only accessible by foot, according to Google's website.
The Trekker is operated by an Android device and consists of 15 lenses angled in different directions so images can be stitched together into 360-degree panoramic views, which will be featured on the Google Maps services, the company said.
Google started its Street View project in 2007 in the United States, as it collected street images by using cars packed with computers, cameras and global positioning system devices.
To capture more accurate images throughout the planet, this project has been expanded to smaller vehicles, such as bicycles, trolleys and snowmobiles, Google said.
