While Street View is generally reliable, there are instances where it may not provide the desired street coverage, leaving us unable to explore certain areas. This can be frustrating, as Google Maps’ Street View tool does have certain limitations.
The inability to view a street using Street View can be particularly bothersome, especially when we rely on detailed visual information to plan trips, assess accessibility, or simply indulge our curiosity. It deprives us of the opportunity to virtually navigate and familiarize ourselves with the surroundings, gather visual cues, and absorb the ambiance of a place before experiencing it firsthand.
Some streets do not appear
There are various reasons why certain streets may not be available in Street View. Despite Google’s ongoing efforts to capture street images worldwide, the coverage of Street View is not yet comprehensive. Some remote or less-traveled areas may not have been photographed and included in the database.
Google must adhere to privacy laws and regulations in each country, which can result in certain areas being restricted for privacy reasons or due to property owners’ refusal to allow image capture on their premises. Moreover, streets are constantly evolving with the construction of new roads, renovations, and urban changes. It takes time for Google to update its database and capture new images accordingly.
Additionally, there can be technical challenges that hinder image capture on certain streets, such as difficult access, adverse weather conditions, or issues with the vehicles equipped with the cameras. There may be pedestrian streets that the Street View car cannot easily navigate or capture images from.
How to activate Street View?
Google has introduced a revolutionary feature that enhances the user experience when exploring streets: the ability to activate Street View effortlessly by dragging the iconic yellow doll, known as “Pegman,” directly onto the map.
By clicking and holding the Pegman doll, you can easily navigate to your desired location. As you move the cursor across the map, the streets available in Street View are highlighted in blue, providing a clear indication of where you can enjoy the panoramic experience.
This interactive method eliminates the need for multiple clicks and searches, allowing you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Street View instantly. It proves to be an invaluable tool for planning routes, discovering tourist destinations, or simply indulging in virtual exploration anywhere on the globe with remarkable ease.
Gone are the days of uncertainty about whether a specific street is accessible in Street View. Now, the map provides you with a clear and convenient display of all available options in real time. However, if you prefer the traditional approach, you can still click on the doll and patiently watch as the map fills up with blue streets, indicating the areas where Street View is accessible.
Photos uploaded by other users
Despite Google’s extensive efforts to capture street images worldwide, there are inevitably remote or less-frequented locations that may not have been covered by Street View. However, Google has introduced an empowering feature called “Add a Photo” that enables users to contribute and fill these gaps in the image database.
With the “Add a Photo” function, users have the opportunity to share their own images of places that are not currently available in Street View. By uploading photos taken from their personal devices, such as smartphones or cameras, users can geolocate these images on the map. This means that even in areas where Street View has not yet reached, users can still view and explore real-life images captured by fellow individuals.
The “Add a Photo” feature not only allows users to contribute images to fill gaps in Street View coverage but also provides an opportunity to share unique perspectives and valuable information about specific locations. Users can upload images showcasing landmarks, breathtaking scenery, local businesses, special events, and more, enhancing the diversity and richness of Street View imagery.
To ensure the quality and accuracy of user-contributed photos, Google has implemented moderation and verification systems. These mechanisms help maintain the integrity of Street View by ensuring that the shared content meets certain standards. As a result, users can rely on the reliability and visual appeal of the information provided by Street View.