Google service introduces indoor photos

Google has started a pilot project allowing the public to look inside shops and other businesses found on its maps, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported on Friday.The feature was an extension of the firms Street View technology, which already let users view 360-degree exterior images.The existing service prompted some privacy complaints from people who claimed the technology was intrusive.However, Google said the new scheme was completely on a volunteer basis.Building on the Google Art Project, which took Street View technology inside 17 acclaimed museums, this project is another creative implementation of Street View technology, to help businesses as they build their online presence, said a company spokesman.We hope to enable businesses to highlight the qualities that make their locations stand out through professional, high-quality imagery.Initially the roll-out is limited to select locations including London, Paris and a number of cities in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.The US Company said it was beginning the process by inviting the most searched types of businesses to request a visit by its photographers.Google said these included restaurants, hotels, shops, gyms and vehicle repair workshops.However, it had ruled out big-brand chains for the time being. Hospitals and lawyers offices had also been excluded.Business owners were told they must warn their customers and employees about the photoshoot before it began. Google had promised it would blur out or refuse to publish any images that included bystanders.The photoshoots would produce 360-degree images using fish-eye and wide-angle lenses as well as stills. Business owners were also invited to upload their own pictures.
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