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Google to Map San Francisco in 3D

Posted by samzenpus on from the topographical-internet dept.

mtz206 writes "SiliconValleyWatcher reports that "Google plans to use trucks equipped with lasers and digital photographic equipment to create a realistic 3D online version of San Francisco, and eventually other major US cities. The move would trump Amazon's A9 service, which offers two-dimensional photos of buildings on US city streets.""

9 of 267 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Well by scottme · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Give them a break. They have to start somewhere after all.

  2. Warning... by HaydnH · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... to anyone living in San Francisco: Make sure your curtains are drawn while doing things you shouldn't be doing.

    "Hey mom, check out this 3D Google version of our home, hey what are you and dad up to in your bedroom??? Ewwww!"

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  3. There is already a virtual London project at UCL by charlie_vernacular · · Score: 5, Informative

    At the risk of sounding like an advert (and apologies to those who feel that I do), the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) at University College London is building a 3D GIS-based model of London that will and can be used to help the public explore different urban planning outcomes (amongst other things).

    About Virtual London here:

    http://www.casa.ucl.ac.uk/research/virtuallondon.h tm

    About CASA's research here:

    http://www.casa.ucl.ac.uk/research/index.htm

    Declaration of Interest: Professor Mike Batty, who runs CASA, was one of my PhD supervisors.

  4. Not just the USA by Mr_Silver · · Score: 5, Insightful
    I know that I'm in the minority here, but it would be nice that, instead of rolling out newer and cooler projects to America only, Google remembered that they have an equally large (if not larger?) user base in Europe who also made a significant contribution to their success.

    Yes, we did (eventually) get Froogle here in the UK, but I don't believe any of the other countries have. Google maps also arrived, but again, I don't believe it covers anywhere else.

    Now you have satellite imagery and 3D maps and again the UK hope for it and the rest of Europe seems to be out on a limb.

    I have no doubt that the UK will eventually see this stuff (as with the others) and for that I am thankful - however our friends elsewhere in Euroland I fear will never see the light of day of some of this rather cool products.

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    1. Re:Not just the USA by TwP · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Tell you what. Give me a call on your 3G cellphone and whine to me in person while sending me 2 Mpixel photos of your crappy Google interface. Or you can write me an e-mail while your zipping along at 180Kph in your bullet train with wireless capabilities. Or you can drive your fuel efficient smart car over the Atlantic ... never mind. Not all technologies make it across the pond. Sorry. That's the way it is. I'm sure if you want to give a few million dollars to Google to get these services in Europe they would be willing to listen. In fact, I'm sure they have even scoped out the business case and revenue model for brining these services to Europe. In the meantime enjoy your government health care, your month of holiday, and your labor party government ;) When the Google commandos hit the beaches to save the UK and Europe from the evils of "we-don't-have-nice-maps" we'll let you know.

  5. I knew it... by derkyjadex · · Score: 5, Funny

    "...trucks equipped with lasers...", Google have finally begun their attack on the world...

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  6. Here's what I would like to see one day by ChrisF79 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Ever map out where you're going, only to find that its nearly impossible to see any address numbers on buildings, making it harder than it should be to find your destination? I'd like to see streaming video that shows you the drive to wherever you're going. Of course, you could speed it up for the long parts, but show the turns so you know what to look out for. It seems like they could equip some delivery trucks (from other companies) with cameras, maybe strike a deal with UPS or Fedex, and then sort out the video later. Of course, it would take a lot of work, but it could start with smaller cities and work its way up. Now that's what I'd like to see...

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  7. I Have A Plan...... by SaleNowOn · · Score: 5, Funny

    1) Find details of the trucks route and the dates that Google will be mapping San Francisco.

    2) Download pictures of the FBIs 50 most wanted and photoshop bodies on to them.

    3) Get the local print shop to create life size cardboard cutouts.

    4) Place cuts outs strategically around San Francisco. I like the thought of Osma coming out of McDonalds with a bigmac.

  8. Re:Well by TGK · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Google is a US corporation, held by (wait for it) mostly US stockholders with most of its buisness interests and target market in the US.

    As a corporation it is legaly bound to do what is best for its shareholders. While rolling out Google 3d Europe might be warm fuzzies, it's not necessarily the most exploitable market. Moreover, if you're going to test out an infrastructure heavy technology, why not do it in your home city (San Fran for Google)

    This comes down to money. Google thinks this will make them more money than rolling out more features to Europe.... that's why.

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