A Few years ago Google Maps have started a Google Street View program. In the begging photos where uploaded only by users, who have wanted to share images from their traveling escapades.
Along with the development, Google surprised us with 360-degree cameras on the cars.
Unfortunately, cars are disqualified from taking pictures in hard-to-reach places. That’s why Google created Google street Trekker backpack, which gives the possibility to snap pictures in closed areas, for example in caves. An older version of Google street Trekker was clumsy and weighed around 18 kilograms. The design has also left a lot to be desired. The older one looked more like portable speakers than highly professional equipment.
Left side older version
Therefore Google came up an idea to redevelop Google Trekker. Google slimmed down older backpack and thanks to that the newer one is a little bit lighter. Improved hardware allows capturing better and sharper imagery.
Google assures also about backpack compatibility:
“Like previous Trekker generations, the new version can be put on cars, boats or even ziplines. This helps when capturing hard-to-access places, or when building maps for developing countries and cities with complex structures”
So who uses Google street Trekker?
This backpack enables to take photos in hard weather conditions during the explorations, for example in the Arctic or during a mountain climbing. This Google’s device is used, not only by travelers and film crews, who have need of professional equipment but also by tourism boards and transit operators.
Sources:
https://www.blog.google/products/maps/mapping-stories-new-street-view-trekker/
https://newatlas.com/google-street-view-trekker-upgrade/57728/
https://techcrunch.com/2018/12/18/heres-googles-new-street-view-trekker-backpack/