News: Google Street View launched in SA

Google has officially announced the local release of Google Street View. This will enable South African users to view 3D models of streets and stadiums on both Google Earth and selected Android devices.

Seven of South Africa’s stadiums including Soccer City in Johannesburg, Peter Mokaba in Polokwane and Moses Mabhida in Durban will also be explorable in 3D from pitch level. Street View images are also available for twenty seven South African towns and cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

This venture is intended to make navigation in South Africa easier for tourists and locals alike.

The images were captured over a number of months by a Google street team using retrofitted vehicles and Trikes.

Julie Taylor, Communications Manager for Google South Africa, said: "This is a first for Africa, and a really exciting development for South Africans, who can now explore their country in new ways, whether a local neighbourhood in the city or a scenic costal route they've never seen.”

“But it's also going to be a massive bonus for the tourism industry, especially with all the international visitors arriving in South Africa. Tourists will be able to take a look at sights and stadiums before they get here, while the rest of the world can enjoy the view from their mobile phone or PC."

Street View only contains imagery that is already visible from public roads and features technology that blurs both faces and licence plates. In addition, any user can easily flag images for removal that he or she considers inappropriate by clicking on "Report a problem".

Those users who wish to access Street View should direct themselves to http://maps.google.com where they will be prompted to enter their desired address.

Google Street View launched in SA

Related Articles

Most Read Articles

Have Your Say