If you have ever used Google Maps, you know that the search giant has been using cars, bikes, and people to carry camera systems through all sorts of landmarks so you can tour them virtually. For a while, Google has been working to get permission to map Ellis and Liberty Islands so that we can all take virtual tours of both historic landmarks.
Last week, Google began that mapping project with a guy named Alberto Elias wearing a Trekker backpack with an orb atop fitted with 15 camera lenses and a laser along with GPS. That laser is able to get the precise distance from the backpack to specific objects. Google has wanted to make the virtual tour of Ellis and Liberty Islands for a long time, but both locations are operated by the National Park Service.
The Trekker Backpack Technology
The Trekker backpack is an impressive piece of technology. It is designed to capture high-resolution images in areas that are inaccessible to vehicles. The orb atop the backpack contains 15 camera lenses, which can capture a 360-degree view of the surroundings. This allows Google to create a seamless virtual tour experience. The laser and GPS system work together to ensure that the images are accurately mapped to their real-world locations. This technology has been used in various other projects, including mapping the Grand Canyon and the Amazon rainforest.
The process of mapping these areas is not as simple as just walking around with the backpack. It requires careful planning and coordination. The team needs to ensure that they cover every inch of the area to create a comprehensive virtual tour. This often means walking for miles and capturing thousands of images. Once the images are collected, they need to be processed and stitched together to create a seamless virtual tour. This is a time-consuming process, but the end result is worth it.
Challenges and Permissions
Mapping Ellis and Liberty Islands presented unique challenges. Both locations are operated by the National Park Service, which means that Google had to go through a lengthy approvals process before filming could commence. This involved multiple meetings and discussions to ensure that the project would not disrupt the daily operations of the parks or the experience of the visitors. The National Park Service also had to ensure that the project complied with all relevant regulations and guidelines.
With Liberty Island being a popular tourist destination, there are hordes of people in the images collected by Google. To address privacy concerns, Google has been blurring faces out of images it collects for years. This ensures that the privacy of the visitors is protected while still allowing people to enjoy the virtual tour. The face-blurring technology is highly advanced and can automatically detect and blur faces in the images.
The virtual tour of Ellis and Liberty Islands will allow people from all over the world to experience these historic landmarks. This is especially important for those who may not have the opportunity to visit in person. The virtual tour will provide a detailed and immersive experience, allowing people to explore the islands and learn about their history and significance.
In addition to providing a virtual tour, the project also has educational benefits. Schools and educational institutions can use the virtual tour as a teaching tool to help students learn about the history and significance of Ellis and Liberty Islands. This can make learning more engaging and interactive, allowing students to explore the landmarks in a way that is not possible with traditional textbooks.
Overall, the mapping project of Ellis and Liberty Islands is a significant achievement for Google. It showcases the capabilities of the Trekker backpack technology and highlights the importance of preserving and sharing our cultural heritage. The virtual tour will allow people from all over the world to experience these historic landmarks and learn about their history and significance.
via NYT
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