Google’s StreetView has arrived

After a year in the making, Google has just launched its new mapping application, Street View service.

StreetView, which was launched in the UK yesterday, allows users to access 360-degree real-life views of 25 UK cities through their computers and mobile phones. Users click on the small yellow man icon when they visit Google Maps to activate the Street View service. Street View UK was the reason behind the odd sighting over the past year on UK streets of even odder Google branded cars complete with recording equipment on their roofs.

In terms of privacy issues, Google insists it will be removing photos it deems breach privacy issues or that display inappropriate content. Human faces and car number plates are blurred, while people who object to themselves or their homes being featured can raise their issue by submitting an online form.

Street View first launched in Sydney, Australia, with San Francisco and Paris quickly following suit.

It will be interesting to see how this new offering of real-life images has an impact on brands' advertising activities; will we see more emerging media trials, such as Augmented Reality and will there be an impact on search, for example.

- Sam