Beyond Google Maps

By now you’ve undoubtedly reaped the benefits of the wonder that is Google Maps.  In recent years, Google collected street views via cameras mounted to cars, allowing for unbelievably detailed real looks at places, intersections, and neighborhoods.

But what about those hard to reach places which are not exactly on the beaten path - the areas where lots of people go but aren’t paved roads that are easily mapped?

Google is launching US Street View Special to map just this types of spots.  To quote the company:

We’re working hard to bring Street View to new places, but some interesting areas, like pedestrian malls and trails, cannot be reached by car. That’s why we’ve created the Street View trike; a mechanical masterpiece made of 3 bicycle wheels, a mounted Street View camera, and a very athletic cyclist.

Right now the University of North Carolina is campaigning to be one of the next spots mapped by the Street View trike.  Google is collecting nominations here, where you can also see the results of the beta tests of the technology.  Nominate your favorite spot today!