Google is the undisputed king of mapping technology. Its Google Maps service is used by billions of people every day to navigate their homes and businesses, find directions, or locate specific landmarks or points of interest. Even if you’t use Google Maps on your phone, you’ve probably already seen its capabilities demonstrated in the form of the company’s Street View feature. Essentially, Street View allows users to virtually explore almost any location on Earth through a photograph taken from an overhead camera attached to a special vehicle called a “Google Car.” The car travels around with its cameras recording images inside a virtual bubble that can be accessed at any time through the Google Maps app. Google has offered this feature as part of its Maps services for years, but recently it expanded its scope by launching the Google Street View app as a standalone download on iOS and Android devices. If you have one of these devices and want to install the app, here’s how:
Understanding the Google Street View App
The Google Street View app is a virtual tour guide and mapping tool that lets users explore locations around the world using 360° photography that’s viewable in real-time and in high resolution. The app is built around the same technology and imagery used to create Google’s Street View feature that has been integrated into its mapping services since 2007. In addition to maps, Street View also has rich destination content, including information on businesses, trending nearby sights, and Street View’s own “Tours.”
How to Get the Google Street View App
Like most apps, you can’t just “find” the Google Street View app in the Google Play or Apple App Store. You have to download it directly from the Google Maps website. To do this, open a browser on your computer, tablet, or smartphone and visit the Google Maps page for the country or region where you want to use the Street View app. To get the Street View app, click the “Explore” tab in the upper-left corner of the Google Maps window. Next, click the “Try Street View” button in the upper-right corner. Next, click the “Get the App” button. You will be prompted to choose which device you want to install the app on, after which the Google Maps app will open automatically.
Using the Google Street View App
The Google Street View app can be used in a number of ways, depending on your current location and what you’re trying to accomplish. If you’re trying to find a nearby restaurant or other business, click the search bar at the top of the app window and type in the type of business you’re looking for. If you’re planning a trip and want to explore your destination, use the “Get Directions” feature to explore the area around your current location and find nearby points of interest.
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If you’re trying to find a specific business, you can use the Google Street View app to explore the surrounding area. To do this, click the “Explore” tab, then click the “Sights” tab at the top of the window. Next, click the “Nearby” tab on the top menu bar. Select the type of business you’re looking for, and then click the “Search” button. Google will display any nearby businesses that fit the bill.
Finding Events and Activities with Google Street View
Like with businesses, you can use the Google Street View app to explore your current location and find nearby events and activities. For events, click the “Explore” tab and then click the “Sights” tab at the top of the window. Next, click the “Nearby” tab on the top menu bar. You can also search for events and activities by clicking the “Search” button, which will give you a drop-down menu you can use to select which type of event or activity you’re looking for.
Bottom line
The Google Street View app is a virtual tour guide through hundreds of cities and thousands of landmarks around the world. With it, you can explore almost any location on Earth as if you were standing right there, without ever leaving home. With its detailed and immersive imagery, the Google Street View app can help you plan your next vacation, discover new places to visit in your own city, or even help you decide which house to buy.