Introduction:
Google Street View, the renowned mapping service, has recently launched its services in India, marking a significant milestone for the platform. With its 360-degree interactive panorama feature, Street View aims to provide users with a detailed and immersive view of various locations across the country. This article explores the launch of Street View in India, its partnership model, key features, and the potential impact on Google Maps.
Launching in India: Expanding Access to Street View
Google Street View has expanded its operations to India, with an initial launch in 10 cities. This move is part of Google's ambitious plan to extend Street View coverage to 50 cities across the country within the next two years. By bringing Street View to India, Google aims to provide users with a comprehensive and interactive mapping experience, enhancing their ability to explore and navigate various locations with ease.
Facilitated by the National Geospatial Policy
The launch of Street View in India has been made possible by the new National Geospatial Policy, 2021. This policy allows local companies to collect geospatial data and license it to others. It has created an opportunity for collaboration between Google and Indian partners, facilitating the entry of Street View into the Indian market. This partnership model makes India the first country where Street View is primarily enabled through collaborations with local entities.
Mapping India: Project Gullify
Under Project Gullify, Street View will gradually roll out its services to additional cities across India. The goal is to cover a total of 50 cities by the end of the year, mapping over 700,000 kilometers of Indian roads. This extensive mapping endeavor aims to provide users with detailed and accurate information about various locations and landmarks throughout the country. From bustling metropolitan cities to serene rural areas, Street View will offer users a virtual tour of India's diverse landscapes.
Partnership Benefits: Fundamental Geospatial Technologies and Scale
Tech Mahindra and Genesis International, two prominent Indian companies, have partnered with Google to enable the launch of Street View in India. These partners bring fundamental geospatial technologies and logistics experience to the collaboration. Tech Mahindra, in particular, has utilized its expertise in collecting data using Mahindra vehicles, ensuring high fidelity and accuracy. The involvement of local partners also provides the ability to scale operations across multiple areas simultaneously, supporting Street View's expansion efforts in India.
Integration with Google Maps: Enhanced User Experience
The integration of Street View with Google Maps enhances the overall user experience and provides valuable features. Users can access speed limit data in maps for cities like Bengaluru and Chandigarh, allowing them to stay informed and abide by traffic regulations. Additionally, real-time road congestion data for nine cities enables users to plan their routes more efficiently, avoiding heavily congested areas. Furthermore, Google is developing the environmental insights explorer tool, which measures emissions based on traffic patterns. This tool will assist city planners in understanding and mitigating environmental impact. Street View will also display localized street-level Air Quality Index (AQI) numbers in select cities, providing users with real-time air quality information to make informed decisions about their surroundings.
Leveraging Advanced Technologies: AI and ML for Data Analysis
Google plans to leverage advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), to parse and analyze the collected data. These technologies, developed over the past decade, enable the extraction of valuable insights regarding road conditions, addresses, and other relevant information. AI and ML algorithms will enhance Google Maps' ability to provide users with comprehensive and up-to-date mapping information. For instance, Street View will improve the accuracy of road condition data, which is often not clear in satellite imagery. This enhancement will help users navigate roads more confidently, taking into account real-time road conditions.
Potential Impact and Future Expansion
The launch of Street View in India holds immense potential for users, businesses, and city planners. Users can explore and familiarize themselves with various locations before visiting them physically, making their journeys more efficient and enjoyable. Businesses can leverage Street View to enhance their online presence and provide customers with an immersive virtual experience of their establishments. City planners can utilize the environmental insights explorer tool to better understand traffic patterns and emissions, leading to informed decision-making for sustainable urban development.
Looking ahead, Google may consider adopting a similar partnership model in other parts of the world, leveraging the expertise of local entities to expand Street View coverage globally. By collaborating with local partners, Google can navigate regulatory frameworks effectively and ensure compliance with data collection requirements. This approach enables Google to tap into local knowledge and expertise, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of Street View for users worldwide.
Conclusion
The launch of Google Street View in India signifies a significant milestone for the mapping service. Enabled by the National Geospatial Policy and facilitated through partnerships with Tech Mahindra and Genesis International, Street View aims to offer users an immersive and detailed mapping experience across various Indian cities. With features such as speed limit data, road congestion information, and environmental insights, Street View enhances Google Maps' functionality while empowering users to explore and navigate India's vibrant landscapes with accuracy and ease. The expansion of Street View to 50 cities in the coming years demonstrates Google's commitment to providing users with a comprehensive and interactive mapping experience.