Google has debuted a new program called “Street View Ready”, which makes it possible for Google Maps users with the right hardware to contribute content for the Street View database.
Photographs will be assembled to create the same 360-degree panoramic view that Google creates with its fleet of camera-laden Street View vehicles.
The first camera that Google has designated as “Street View Ready” is the Insta360 Pro camera.
This portable 8K 360-degree camera is capable of shooting five frames per second and has real-time imagine stabilisation built-in.
Google will make it possible for Insta360 Pro owners to control their camera from within the Street View app on iOS and Android.
Footage previously shot using the Insta360 Stitcher software can also be uploaded to Google.
Insta360 added the ability to shoot at five-frames per second in 8K with a recent software update, specifically to enable the camera to capture Street View content.
A new USB accessory will also be available from Insta360 to attach GPS data to any recorded images automatically.
It’s interesting to see Google begin to open-up Street View.
Adventurous individuals will be able to help map areas that Google and its teams would otherwise likely never reach.
The camera retails for $3,499 – some £2,640 converted – which will limit the number of people actively contributing to Street View.