Apparently, search engine mapping services have become all the rage. Since the launch of the Google Maps satellite service, real-time, image-rich maps are in demand.
Although Google Maps can provide some incredible satellite images, apparently, this is only the beginning of Google vision. First off, the upcoming Google Earth has been discussed. Using Keyhole’s technology, Google will be able to provide a comprehensive look at the earth, based on satellite imagery.
Evidently, the world is not enough, however. According to a story issued by SiliconValleyWatcher, Google is preparing to develop a 3-dimensional representation of the city of San Francisco. The report reveals Google will deploy a number of trucks equipped with lasers and digital photographic equipment. This equipment will allow Google to create an online 3-D version of the city by the bay. Google also harbors plans of 3-D mapping other major cities in the US after San Francisco is completed.
However, news of Google’s 3-D desires has struck some search engine pundits with confusion. Andy Beal believes Google’s effort may be redundant because of the evolving nature of the US metropolis. Because cities change quite frequently, Andy feels that as soon as Google completed photographically indexing a particular city, the map would be out of date. He attributes his opinion to the sheer amount of time a project like this would take.
John Battelle scoffed at the notion as well. After reading about Google’s 3-D mission, John was left with the following thought: “I dunno. My first question is….why?” Apparently, John shares some of Andy’s hesitation.
Of course, a couple of pundit’s misgivings will not make Google deviate from their mission to present a 3-D representation of San Francisco and other cities. However, Andy is still correct in thinking something like this could take a while and perhaps not be relevant when it’s complete.
No word has been issued about a release date for the virtual San Francisco.
Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for murdok. Visit murdok for the latest search news.
