Street View hits Hammersmith

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Smile, you're on Google's camera!

 

Google Street View launched in the UK today, allowing people to navigate to individual streets in 25 cities, including London.

To use Street View, users must simply go to Google Maps, type in a street name, and click on the Street View option when the location bubble pops up. They will then be able to see 360 degree images such as these photographs of Hammersmith landmarks and residential streets.

The service has already provoked controversy. While the Guardian trumpeted Street View as 'Christmas for British Snoops', Hammersmith Conservative councillor for Ravenscourt Park Harry Phibbs wrote in the Daily Mail that Google should 'keep its damned nose out of my home.'

Mr Phibbs said that the new service would allow burglars to identify valuable lead in the roofs of historic buildings.

He said: "Looking up my own address I am embarrassed to see the hedge needed pruning."

Other commentators were concerned that images of children and residents were sometimes visible in the photographs, although faces were blurred out.

However, some residents took a more light-hearted view.

Chiswick-based Maggie Philbin posted on her Twitter page her dream house in Chiswick, and asked - "Where would you like to live in Street View?"

 

 

 

March 19, 2009