- Google adds the ability to upload images to Street View from phones
- The app will combine the images and upload it to Street View
- It uses ARCore to achieve this ability
Google is making some prominent changes in its mapping service. Google Maps saw a huge redesign back in February and recently received a new Community Feed. Now Google is upgrading the Street View app for Android users. This update allows users to capture and submit their Street View photos. These photos could be clicked and shred directly from their phones as well.
Usually, Google Maps uses images taken by dedicated camera cars for its Street View feature. But, Google is now expanding it to all citizens of the world. It makes everyone eligible to contribute their own photos to Street View. Earlier, you would require a 360-degree camera or equipment to attach to the roof of your car.
Google’s announcement
Google announced on its blog that it is updating the Street View app, simplifying the collection of Street View imagery. For this, the app offers a new connected photos tool that lets users record a series of connected photos. The app automatically takes photos as you move down a path or a street and patch them together. Recoding the images can be done only through this app.
The Street View app captures continuous images using the ARCore tech. It is the same augmented reality technology that is used to produce experiences like Google Maps’ Live View or the Pixel 5’s Mandalorian AR experience. When the capture mode is enabled on the app, it periodically captures stills on your trip. Users can also spot Street View recordings submitted by others. To view them, look for the Street View indicator showing dotted blue lines on Google Maps.
After users post their recordings on the Street View app, Google will automatically rotate, position, and create a series of connected photos. With this update, Google Maps will be able to cater to more people with better maps around the world. It will be easier to add places that weren’t on Google Maps or places that have changed rapidly. Thus making Maps more accurate and up-to-date for everyone.
Other updates
Recently Google added a ‘Community Feed’ to the Explore tab. The feed will show updates and recommendations from trusted local sources. It will highlight the 20 million photos, answers, ratings, etc collected by Google every day.
Google Maps made it easier for customers to message stores through posts. Businesses can use this to reply back to their customers. Maps will also feature a ‘Message’ shortcut.
