Google Inc.'s effort to put 360-degree, street-level views of Asheville on the Web appears to be complete. The views of the city now appear on Google Street View, the California company's effort to provide computer users with the up-close views of city streets and neighborhoods.
In April, Asheville residents noticed several small sedans zipping around town, each with a short pole and camera mounted to its top. The cars were traversing the city, recording the panoramic views now available online. A Google spokeswoman told Mountain Xpress that the company, which already has views of other North Carolina cities such as Durham and Chapel Hill available, was moving into smaller regions.
Some people have complained that the effort by Google, which also offers Google Earth maps using satellite imagery, is an invasion of privacy. Google, which says its trying to provide useful information to users, says it's sensitive to privacy concerns and sticks to public roads for the Street View mapping. There's also a procedure in place to allow people to request that specific views be taken down.
The Street View mapping isn't perfect. The maps don't cover 100 percent of city streets, and typing in an address won't always bring up the exact spot on the street. But overall, the effort offers users trying to navigate Asheville a powerful new tool. Google also allows users to embed it's maps into Web sites.
Below, you'll find the Google Street View of the Miles Building, which houses the offices of the Mountain Xpress.
View Larger Map
— Jason Sandford, multimedia editor
In April, Asheville residents noticed several small sedans zipping around town, each with a short pole and camera mounted to its top. The cars were traversing the city, recording the panoramic views now available online. A Google spokeswoman told Mountain Xpress that the company, which already has views of other North Carolina cities such as Durham and Chapel Hill available, was moving into smaller regions.
Some people have complained that the effort by Google, which also offers Google Earth maps using satellite imagery, is an invasion of privacy. Google, which says its trying to provide useful information to users, says it's sensitive to privacy concerns and sticks to public roads for the Street View mapping. There's also a procedure in place to allow people to request that specific views be taken down.
The Street View mapping isn't perfect. The maps don't cover 100 percent of city streets, and typing in an address won't always bring up the exact spot on the street. But overall, the effort offers users trying to navigate Asheville a powerful new tool. Google also allows users to embed it's maps into Web sites.
Below, you'll find the Google Street View of the Miles Building, which houses the offices of the Mountain Xpress.
View Larger Map
— Jason Sandford, multimedia editor
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Yeah, except they forgot to drive by my house (West Asheville).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zen/3098323997/
By zen
12/11/2008
This kind of freaks me out. I live in a quiet, dead-end neighborhood where strangers checking out a home would probably be noticed--however, now anyone can case the joint on-line.
By Edgy Mama
12/11/2008
Big brother notwithstanding, its a pretty cool feature. Too bad there arent any crackheads in pritchard park doin what they do best!
I just took a virtual walk around downtown asheville!
By dave
12/11/2008
I read somewhere that they'll remove a picture if you're worried, but really, the pictures aren't continuously updated. Even Google can't afford to hire that many people.
By Pixiedyke
12/11/2008
I'm with you, E.M. Even creepier for any of us who have ever been threatened or stalked.
By Junebug
12/11/2008
Unbelievable ... they even have the bookfarm out here in Alexander!
By Ralph Roberts
12/11/2008
Pretty impressive. I found a very clear view of some houses of people I know.
But they must not be going much beyond the city limits, because for my place all I see are blurry woods. And that's fine with me.
By Kriss
12/11/2008
I'm just glad I had the lawn mowed when they drove by the homestead.
By shadmarsh
12/12/2008