Google India tweeted earlier today that they will start collection for Street View data in India from tomorrow. Bengaluru is the first city on the location list. This points towards the subsequent launch of Street View in India soon. Street View is already available in 27 countries and was launched in 2007 in the US.
Using this technology, users of Google maps in India will be able to see 360-degree street level view of maps in 3D for cities where Street View is available. It is much easier to understand routes and plan travel using Street View as it shows the location as it looks on the ground rather than showing a 2D image taken from a satellite.
Click here for a demo of Street View.
Google collects data for Street View using special cars that are fitted with 15 lenses taking 360-degree photos. They also have motions sensors to track position, hard drives, a small computer and lasers to determine distances in 3D. For smaller spaces, Google chooses trikes fitted with similar cameras.
Google also has similar Snowmobiles and trollies for better accessibility.