Google Dives Underwater for Stunning Panoramas

Google’s at it again. And this time, it’s another innovative idea that may be a handy tool for travelers.

The technology giant took a leap from land and into the ocean for the first underwater panoramas in Google Maps. Now the Street View feature let’s you surf through Hanauma Bay on Oahu, the Philippines, the Great Barrier Reef and many more places. If you’re debating on the next travel destination, then these stunning sights may be enticing. Or if you’re wanting to take a mental vacation, then this just might be the way!

Dive into the tropical waters of Maui and explore Molokini Crater:

Or swim with the honu (turtles) of the Great Barrier Reef:

Perhaps you may find Nemo at Hanauma Bay:

“Whether you’re a marine biologist, an avid scuba per or a landlocked landlubber, we encourage you to pe in and explore the ocean with Google Maps,” said Brian McClendon, vice president of Google Maps and Earth, in a post unveiling the new feature. Just a few months ago, Google released a Street View of popular travel destinations, including Waikiki.

In a world where GoPros and waterproof cameras provide a clear lens to the underwater scene, Google Maps managed to trump all of that with this crazy-cool feature and very expensive technology. They used an underwater camera that takes rapid-fire 360-degree images every three seconds while traveling about 2.5 miles per hour. And like popular panoramic apps available on smartphones, the images get stitched together and published as a virtual pe through sea.

GOOGLE UNDERWATER PANORAMAS • An underwater perspective of our world’s ocean • https://maps.google.com/help/maps/streetview/gallery

Posted by: Bruce Fisher on Sep 26, 2012