The view of the man on the street

Often we don't have time to do all the stories we'd like in the 24 minute radio programme, and have to lose something. Here's an interview we were hoping to get on last Saturday, with Keir Clarke of Google Maps Mania and Virtual Tourism.

The internet rumour mill has it that Google's about to launch Street View throughout Europe. It's already up and running in the States. Instead of a bird's eye view of the world, Google is offering a street level one. The end goal is allow you to experience a 360 degree view of every street, in every town.

There have been sightings in recent months of the Google vans (which have large panoramic cameras mounted on top) in Paris, Milan and London. But regulatory concerns have been a stumbling block to Google launching in the EU. Last week, the European Data Protection Supervisor said that the ability of Street View software to provide 360- degree, detailed ground-level images of streets over the Internet may raise privacy concerns. This is because individuals' faces are often visible and the vans can potentially see into peoples front rooms.

Google has responded by introduced automatic face-blurring technology in it's imagery of Manhattan, hoping that if the technology is successful it will be enough to placate the EU. So, what can Europeans expect if Street View crosses the pond? Here's a long version of the interview we did, but never aired, with Keir Clarke.

Some of the Street Views Keir mentioned in the interview (drag and zoom them for detail, and click on the arrows to move along the street):

A papparazzi-proofed horse. Released without charge.

View Larger Map

A woman apparently excited by the arrival of Google's vans in Homewood, Illinois.

View Larger Map

A San Diego man, perhaps less excited, although he did apparently follow the van through the city.

View Larger Map

And a fight breaking out in San Francisco.

View Larger Map

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Newsvine |
• NowPublic |
• Reddit
• - What's this?