Google announced today that it is launching a new pilot program in a bid to make Google Maps “the very best map of the world.” This program will enable third-party organizations to borrow Google’s Street View Trekker through which they will be able to contribute imagery to Google Maps. The Trekker is able to capture 360-degree photos, so organizations will be able to use them to contribute imagery about the places they know best, whereby helping Google in making Maps more comprehensive.
The company’s first partner in this program is the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, which has already started using the Street View Trekker to take photos of the popular and well-trafficked sites on Hawaii islands. Trails through Hawaii Volcanoes, National Park, Akaka Falls, Mauna Loa Observatory and more will also be photographed. Google says that in the coming months, they’ll open up this pilot program to limited number of organizations around the world. A tourism board, government agency, university, non-profit, research organization or a similar entity interested in borrowing Street View Trekker to photograph places they know best can apply today.
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