Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > June > 19 > Entry
Google Street View: giving newcomers (and stalkers) a fresh look.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s a little creepy, this idea that anybody could plug in my address and seconds later get a nice view of my building. Google just introduced Street View in Atlanta, so it’s certainly possible.
(Want to start mapping? Here’s a link.)
But I respectfully submit for your consideration that there’s a benefit to this. How often have I gotten directions that are something like, “Go straight, turn left at the Urban Outfitters, right just after the Chipotle and then park right next to an orange building with a big tree out front.”
Uh huh. See you in four hours.
I’m thinking about myself as an AJC intern five years ago — how great would it have been to know that this is what I was looking for on my first day?
Admittedly, the map isn’t complete. Parts of the ‘burbs seem like a work in progress, and it’s even spotty in town. In fact, my building isn’t yet street viewable.
What do you think — handy tool for finding your way around, or scary new tool for stalkers?
Permalink | Comments (99) | Post your comment | Categories: Getting Around
Comments
By Jeff
June 19, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
As with any source of new and accurate information, it is both.
No matter how good the map - and I LOVE Google Earth because it gives the satellite imagery so you can know generally what you need to see to get to a particular building - it will NEVER be as good as eyes-on-target.
When you live in South GA and the buildings aren’t THAT close together, satellite imagery is fine.
When you live in downtown Atlanta and there can be 3 buildings side by side that look identical from a satellite, the new StreetView technology is a WONDERFUL asset to have.
In either case, those who want to do bad things will find a way, and yes, this does make it easier for them.
By Jen
June 19, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
I know people worry about privacy…but…it’s not like this adds something new to the available tools for locating an address: phone book, Google Maps, gps…
As long as they don’t start up with Google See-Through Maps I’m fine…
By GeoffDawg
June 19, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
We have see through airport security. It could be coming…
By Matt
June 19, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
I want to how exactly they get these pictures. Do amateurs do it, or does Google hire people to just drive around the country and do this? I ask because when my girlfriend look at her house (we are both in college in Athens, so I’m referring to her family’s place in Marietta), my car is parked right out front. I am at that house maybe four times a year, and rarely for very long. Just seems a little, you know, creepy. Some dude’s coming around snapping pictures of all of our houses. Hmm.
By CBL
June 19, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Google sends around people in an inconspicuous vehicle with a camera mounted on the roof. Basically an omnidirectional video camera. I saw it once. My take on the matter is that Google is turning into a sort of Big Brother- you can find almost any information on any person or any thing with it. Very cool, but be careful about what you post on the internet about yourself. Try googling your name.
By Muffin
June 19, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
I typed in our address and it does not land in front of our house. I had to click about 10 times up the street to get directly in front of my address, so it’s not completely accurate all the time. But when I did get in front of my house who did i see but my husband driving to work! I think it’s neat - I can click and point and go to any city and go sightseeing while i sit at my desk. And I agree with the other poster, anyone who wants to find you, will find you. All our addresses are a matter of public record with the county. There’s not much you can do unless you want to incorporate and have the company listed as the owner of your house.
By itsmorenamorena
June 19, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Creepy. VERY!
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
June 19, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Without a doubt, Google Street View is the best invention since sliced bread. I’ve been waiting for this to hit Atlanta ever since I discovered Street View for NY and Indianapolis. Think of how many times you told someone, exit here but don’t take far right exit - Now thanks to Google you can point out what you mean, invaluable especially in a town like Atlanta. Street view is a traveler’s best friend.
By amy
June 19, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Matt: These images come from Satelites And are updated every couple of years. Unless you get the version you have to pay for-they are more up to date. You just happened to be at that house on the same day the satelite snapped a picture. It’s nothing creepy here. It took my house 3 years after it was built to be on there.—that’s the next time the satelites came around to that part of the town/country.
By OMG
June 19, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
OMG. I went to this site and it zoomed right in on my house! There is my freakin’ car parked, sideways, in the driveway! I definately say this is creepy. Someone being able to locate my address one thing — but being able to pull up a PHOTO of my home? Too much. Stalker heaven.
By Fred
June 19, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
I’m not worried, Google Maps has never had my address right and I’m in no hurry to correct them.
And the Street View pictures are not taken by satellites. Geez…
By John
June 19, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Google uses a fleet of Toyota Prius’ with a camera attached to a pole on the roof. They drive up and down each street and the camera continuously takes pictures.
Very cool technology. I don’t think it’s creepy. Unless someone knows you, people aren’t actively searching for your particular house. You people worry too much.
By e
June 19, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Yikes…is there any way to have your information REMOVED from this?! This is a SERIOUS violation of privacy, not to mention personal safety, especially for single women living alone!
By landsaf
June 19, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
surely, surely folks have more to worry about in life………
By A. Nony Mouse.
June 19, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
I am just not so sure I like the Mouse House out there like that. Hmmm.
By DecaturDog
June 19, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Address photo is NOT my house…it is three houses off. When I move down to find my house, the photo indicates that is 138 not 124 (my actual house number).
The house that shows up for my address is an abandoned home….I guess nosy folks will think I am living in poverty!
By SM
June 19, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
“Very cool technology. I don’t think it’s creepy. Unless someone knows you, people aren’t actively searching for your particular house. You people worry too much.”
Really John? You ever hear of a crime called burglary? or breaking and entering? Criminals look at every house as a potential target and any information that helps them plan their crime is a problem with me. We had a break-in in our neighborhood last year that was foiled by the family dog. If the criminal had seen pictures of the house with a dog out front, he would have avoided that house and gone to the next one.
As long as the street in front of your home is public property, they can do this, but if I see them in front of my house taking pictures, I’ll stop the car and demand the camera and report them to the police for suspicious behavior. If I want you to see what my house looks like, I’ll send you the pictures; otherwise, I like my privacy!
By Jeff
June 19, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
I just checked this out myself:
1) Like people have said, house numbers are incorrect. In front of my parents’s house, it SAYS 48, their’s is actually 32.
2) Down the street, you can see two young girls getting out of a pickup truck at a house. (Well, teenage girls.) No other vehicle in the driveway. It could be assumed that these girls are there alone at least somewhat often. Which could put these girls in danger, but only if the person is sick to begin with. (BTW: I know these two girls, have all their lives. Their parents are my parents’ best friends.) At the same time, you can watch SOMEONE leaving or coming home in my dad’s old pickup as they drive up (or down) the driveway.
3) Images were taken in 2007, and you can clearly see that in the watermarks in the images. How often will they be updated? Hopefully never, but only Google can answer that.
By Michael
June 19, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
People, try to use logic before you post here. It is not an invasion of privacy; anyone can drive down your street and photograph your house. They did not zoom into your bedroom window and post photos of your previously-unseen cellulite.
You’ll notice that Google did not identify the houses where single women live, so this poses no danger to them. It is not a useful tool for stalkers. If you have a stalker, he already knows where you live and has driven by your house, and he didn’t need Street View to find you. Most stalkers are former boyfriends.
It’s not as if Google has posted a live web cam outside everyone’s house to record their actions for all to see. It’s a snapshot of what you will see driving down the street. Relax people.
By JP
June 19, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
I think it’s pretty cool. I looked up my old house and it did give me an uneasy chill. But, I thought about it and came to the conclusion, if people are that desperate to look you up, they will find a way. If you are that paranoid, just go unlisted. Problem solved.
However, SM. I do tend to agree. This can get outta hand with potential burglars. I’ve been robbed before, and it is an ugggly feeling. They will rob with or without this site. Just gotta be on your guard at all times. don’t be a sheep!! : )
By btwarren
June 19, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
I actually saw one of these google cars pull up right in front of my house this past Tuesday. At the time I was 90% sure that the car was taking a street view picture, but now obviously I am certain because of this article.
By btwarren
June 19, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
I actually saw one of these google cars pull up right in front of my house this past Tuesday. At the time I was 90% sure that the car was taking a street view picture, but now obviously I am certain because of this article.
By Jeff in Roswell
June 19, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Hey Crybaby’s, for most of us, the street in front of our house is not private. The morons making the argument that it will be easier for burglars and crooks to perform their trade?? - tell me how. The same burglars can now just drive up and down your street for a few days in advance to decide what they want to do. Nothing is going to change. There are strangers viewing your house every day, when they drive up and down your street. Please get a grip on reality. Paranoia will destroya.
By WM
June 19, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
This all sorts of wrong, and usually I love google apps like maps and earth. But just because I have a city street in front of my home, does that give you the right to take a picture of my house and profit from it?
I’m sure an army of lawyers at Google checked this, but I’m going to be less enthusiasitc about Google’s latest new innovations from here on out. Either send me some pennies from the ad revenue on Google or take my house off.
By jgumbrecht_0508aa
June 19, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Google Street View searches often land nearby the actual address, instead of directly on it. But you can maneuver it to get a better look. For instance, if you were driving a route and wanted to see what was on the corner where you turn, you can adjust the view to get a look at all four corners.
Here’s a how-to from Google on using Street View.
By ViewFromMidtown
June 19, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Let’s see.. the images are taken from a public street of the outside of structures. This is different from someone who knows your address, simply driving up and viewing it how?
By jgumbrecht_0508aa
June 19, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Also: if you do happen to catch a person in your picture, you probably can’t make out their facial features.
Here’s why.
By GaNative
June 19, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Being a techie myself, I think it’s cool. Things like Google Earth and Google Street are more of a benefit to us all. Just think about it, pretty soon we’ll be able to dump our home security monitoring service and just beam in ourselves to check the premises.
By shadow7071
June 19, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
I noticed that you decided not to publish earlier comments about “1984” and “Brave New World”. Did you think they were too much? I think that some of the later commenters probably agree with me.
By GaNative
June 19, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
One more thing. They don’t have to drive around in a car to get a photo of your house. They can actually beam down from a satellite and take a photo. Do you really think someone sat outside of your house and took a photo of it? If so, explain how they got all the maneuverability and angles that you can make the view move around your neighborhood.
By GaNative
June 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
One more thing. They don’t have to drive around in a car to get a photo of your house. They can actually beam down from a satellite and take a photo. Do you really think someone sat outside of your house and took a photo of it? If so, explain how they got all the maneuverability and angles that you can make the view move around your neighborhood.
By maddoxh
June 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Its very cool but. I wish I had a choice to be included in this project that invades my privacy. I suppose the repo man will really enjoy it. Hmmmm, I thought this was America.
By W
June 19, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
These are pictures of houses taken from a public (let’s repeat that, public) street. Kinda blurry photos at that. Relax, go worry about more important things… like Angelina’s twins or, whatever. Yawn.
By GaNative
June 19, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
It is America, Maddoxh.. But just like they TAKE TAXES, they TAKE PHOTOS.
By GaNative
June 19, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
It is America, Maddoxh.. But just like they TAKE TAXES, they TAKE PHOTOS.
By Shaye Breed
June 19, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Just one more thing available publicly… there are things that worry me far, far more, but no, I’m not entirely comfortable with this.
By Brandon West
June 19, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
The images are actually from a team of drivers with the camera on the roof of the vehicle… you can even see the roof of their vehicle if you rotate the image downward enough. StreetView is not from satellites as GoogleEarth images are.
By Brandon
June 19, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
The images are actually from a team of drivers with the camera on the roof of the vehicle… you can even see the roof of their vehicle if you rotate the image downward enough. StreetView is NOT from satellites as GoogleEarth images are.
By Brandon
June 19, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
The images are actually from a team of drivers with the camera on the roof of the vehicle… you can even see the roof of their vehicle if you rotate the image downward enough. StreetView is NOT from satellites as GoogleEarth images are.
By Drew
June 19, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
GaNative: this is NOT some big secret. The Street View shots are a series of panoramas taken from a rotating camera on top of a car. The technique is common, done all the time and it’s all over the web. I can make them myself. Pan down on some and you can see where they’ve digitized the shadow of the car out… or sometimes you can see the shadow. This is a huge undertaking, but not that difficult to do. Satellites had nothing to do with it.
By GaNative
June 19, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
This could help cut down on street crime and spousal cheating. Imagine having to explain to your spouse who’s car that is in the driveway.
By Jen
June 19, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
(1) This is one snapshot in time - not a live streaming webcam. People can not zoom in on your property to watch you.
(2) What kind of burglars targeting every day folks like you and me are going to use the internet to scope out their victims? Any their using a computer, the internet, and Google Street View is checking out Bill Gates estate to swipe his valuable paintings…sheesh. The kind of theifs you and I get are the kind passing by your house in their rusted out Chevy minibus and decide to knock on 5 consecutive doors to see who’s home and then break in if you’re not. Google Street View won’t help them.
(3) Privacy - it’s been said before…the location of your house is public information. All anyone has to do is call the county tax office. No matter if they locate your house that way or using Google Street View they still can’t come in unless you invite them.
By Question!
June 19, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Hi Jamie -
Thanks!
Why, did they say, is it so spotty intown?
Why is almost all of Candler Park - a huge intown neighborhood, left out, yet many streets outside of the city limits are in??
What happened to Candler Park?
By masked08
June 19, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Very cool !!
By masked08
June 19, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Very cool !!
By Jen
June 19, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Question!, it’s weird how there’s just some of CP on Google Street View. My house is on McLendon and you can see that they did this sort of weaving thing and missed every other block, including my house. I suppose they got distracted by Little 5 Points, stopped off at Vortex for a brew, and forget to catch the rest of the hood on film…
By Jeff in Roswell
June 19, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Amen Jen! For all of the dullards… the pictures I was looking at are obviously taken during the winter because it’s overcast and there are no leaves on the trees. It was one photo… one time!
By wirelessg
June 19, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Regular Unleaded was $3.39 in Lawrenceville at the time of the photos. That’s about April 2008.
By mandy
June 19, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
When were these photos taken? Recently? my car is parked outside on the street and I have only been doing this consistently for about a month. On and off before… liscense plate number blurred so no big deal
By Ricky
June 19, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
I just stood in the middle of Roswell Road and looked at the bar in the Northridge Kroger shopping center where in 1985 I met a young lady and we retired to my apartment in the Windridge complex across the street for a nice little one night/next morning stand. Never did exchange names that I remember.
By John
June 19, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
There’s nothing stopping burglars from driving up and down the street looking for targets. They’re going to look no matter if Google has this or not. There’s not a damn thing you can do about it. They could be watching your house as we speak! Oh no! PANIC!
This is not an invasion of privacy. I can get the very same picture if I was standing on the public street looking at your house! If I stood on the street and took a picture of your house there is nothing illegal about that.
By John
June 19, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
I want to know how many of you that are complaining about privacy knew about this technology before you read this article. You’re outraged now, but I promise 30 minutes after you leave this blog you’ll forget all about it. Your privacy is not invaded. Get over it.
By Keon Johnson
June 19, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
I like it! However, it is a little slow with only going about a ft per click. I want to know who and when were they taking these pictures?! Also it’s creepy how some of the pictures have PEOPLE in them…but with the faces unidentified! I think this feature would do real good on Sim City
By BostonBoy
June 19, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Streetview is great. I use it all the time in Boston, it is especially good if you are researching homes to buy. You can view all the houses on the street and in the neighborhood.
By Truth Filter
June 19, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Cool but creepy, indeed.
You can almost make out the license plate on my car and how many bags of leaves I left on the curb last fall.
Ick
By Jeff
June 19, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
They were in Cartersville at some point between mid-November last year and March of this year. Gas was $2.95 at the station at my parents’ house.
By jarvis
June 19, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
i recall a minivan with it’s door wide open and someone was holding a video camera - so it was probably then when they captured these images …
By jarvis
June 19, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
zillow.com is more invasive… ‘cause it gives overhead shots from a chopper
By Who
June 19, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
SM, what’s your address?
By blake
June 19, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Scary
By Red
June 19, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
The street view of my townhouse has the Christmas decorations and the old front door before I replaced it. How confusing is that??
By Lauren
June 19, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
This is just weirdly Big Brother. I know that nothing is shown other than what anyone could see driving down the street, but it still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. What I want to know is, why did Google decide to do residential areas as well as commercial? Who will be using this info? The only possible legitiate purpose is maybe to research real estate.
By Jonny
June 19, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
crap, the address of the drug dealer down the street and mine are transposed…
By Jsf3000
June 19, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
This is creepy! You can see into peoples windows and see their X-mas trees and presents and wives naked!!!
By Scan Chick
June 19, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Thank GOD the camera crew came by at a time when I did not have someones car parked in my driveway. I would have straight been busted.
Call it what you want…. but eveyones life is public now.
I bet when the gov. makes us start using the new TV sets next month, they will be spying on us as well. Think about THAT!
By map lover
June 19, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
I guess the folks in Cabbagetown can look back on what their neighborhood USED TO look like before the tornado hit and lovingly remember their big trees.
By Ian Marshall
June 19, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to get this on my Atlanta real estate site! This is Awesome.
http://www.ianmarshall.com/
Ian
By Kathryn41
June 19, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
I find it interesting to see they have ‘updated’ the part of the satellite view where our house is. The last time I looked there was only the roadways laid out. Now there appears to be a something superimposed upon the old background before the construction went through. What is really interesting about this is I can find what should be our house - but it is wrong! It is the house that was originally planned for this property - but was never built. A different plan was substituted. The driveway on the superimposed house that was planned here goes through the front door of the house that actually is here and does not even go to where the garage is. Now, I am very, very intrigued by that! Someone went through a lot of trouble to put the house that was supposed to be here, here, and the image does look like it has been ‘cut and pasted’ overtop of the topography - but it is NOT the house that is here.
By Chris
June 19, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
I think it’s cool, especially when trying to find a place. I used it the other night to locate a restaurant.It sure beats mapquest!
By Kathryn41
June 19, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Just for a clarification - our area is not yet ‘street viewable’ but only map and satellite viewable so it isn’t a photographic image just the overhead one.
By cC
June 19, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Creepy!!!
it is one thing if it were only businesses but i see no reason for home addresses. i can only imagine the people who will be using this will not be the most savory characters.
I guess even google has to create a bad product.
By CVS
June 19, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
If I type in my address it comes up a mile from our home. I’ve had a problem getting deliveries and service calls. Plus it shows my house as a mobile home when I live in a three story log home… lol.
By congaree
June 19, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Scary new tool for der Polizei.
By Dale
June 19, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
The images are taken with a modified SUV that has a pod of cameras on top that take 360 degree still images, Ive seen it with my own eyes around town months ago,theres also a Windows Live vehicle with a simular set-up.
By Gwinnett.net
June 19, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Creepy? nah. Exciting? definitely. that was the consensus over at http://gwinnett.net
By Cindy
June 19, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
My brother sent me a link to this Google map feature recently. We could see our mother’s house as well as the house that we grew up in over 40 years ago. The addresses aren’t completely accurate, because I typed in our old address and got the neighbor’s house instead. I liked being able to “visit” the old neighborhood without actually having to spend the time and gas money to see it in person. I really don’t see the harm in it.
By meeee
June 19, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
nothing that can’t be seen by normal everyday drivers will be visable by streetview. in fact it may be better. a stalker wouldnt have to go to the stalkee’s house in person. they would jsut pull up google instead.
By Gah
June 19, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
I agree with one poster who said Google Earth gives a good birds-eye view of EVERYTHING. It’s not spotty like this new service. I looked up my address, and thankfully, it only goes as far as the street I run off of. I’m a bit leery of being on Google Earth, but hey, if someone wants to find you, they will. Plenty can do it WITHOUT the benefit of computers/Google.
By meeee
June 19, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
uhoh jen i know where you live!! i can see your house!! haha yes ialso noticed that. my great aunt lives on iverson (uh oh you know where she and her family lives) and i saw that weird pattern
By Millermoose
June 19, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
I think this is a GREAT feature. Anyone who has a job that requires you to locate properties throughout the metro area will love this…..
The directions most people give are terrible and this is a fantastic tool.
Thanks Google !!!
By new mom
June 19, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
I don’t really care about the privacy issue—but we actually keep our cars in our garage (shocking in our neighborhood) and the garage door closed…
On a lighter note—if you are bored, a fun thing to do on the street view is look around NYC, yellowstone…right now I’m driving my little orange man down a road in death valley! pretty cool. makes me want to take a big griswold-esque trip out west. :)
By meeee
June 19, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
WALLY WORLD WALLY WORLD WALLY WORLD we have our gargae door closed as well
By Mark
June 19, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
I saw the “Google” car driving around north Fulton/Alpharetta sometime around early spring this year. You couldn’t miss it. While it didn’t say “Google” on it, it was painted yellow, and had a rack of cameras on top pointing in four directions - I think it was a Subaru station wagon if I recall. I knew exactly what it was when I saw it and have been waiting for Atlanta to show up! I discovered this right after it came out as I use Google earth daily.
By Mark
June 19, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
By e June 19, 2008 11:49 AM Yikes…is there any way to have your information REMOVED from this?! This is a SERIOUS violation of privacy, not to mention personal safety, especially for single women living alone!
I hate to burst your bubble, little e, but if it was taken/photographed on public property (it was), it is NOT a violation of your privacy! Grow up or go live out in the middle of nowhere like Alaska if you want privacy, paranoid moron!
By Fulton
June 20, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this
Great! Now there’ll be no problem in finding all of the forclosures around town!
By Michael
June 20, 2008 4:56 AM | Link to this
I don’t see any violation of privacy in any of this. I just checked out my house. There was some van in the driveway behind my car, which was probably some company like Dish Network or AT&T. It looked as if the back of the van had been blurred so you couldn’t make out the tag number. Any Average Joe on the street can see the same thing, so it’s not a big deal. They were on a public street.
I do see potential problems, but basically if you go streaking in plain view of a public street, it’s yer own darn fault if the entire world sees it!
I would also cheekily point out to uber-cons that this is a private company doing this on their own dime. If the free market says it works, it’s OK, right? :)
By Get Over It
June 20, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
to ‘e’: it’s not a violation of privacy. There’s nothing private about a PUBLIC street. If they come into your home, that’s a violation, but anyone can take pictures of anything from a public area.
I think it’s cool technology and can’t spend my life being paranoid about it.
If you don’t like it, then stay indoors with your blinds closed and let the rest of us enjoy living.
By Alecia
June 20, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
If this was in real time, it could be a great tool for landlords. Imagine being able to see whether or not the yard is trashed,there are too many tenants, or an unauthorized pitbull. It would be a great help to out of town landlords that never drive by their properties.
By Jo
June 20, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
I think it is pretty cool. My only problem is that my images are rather dark. It might be my computer though. I plan on doing house hunting soon so this will help see the neighborhood without having to spend the gas for a quick look. The comments about crime or privacy seem to say more about the poster than the tool. Really, I don’t think I’m that special that anyone is looking for me. If they were, this doesn’t seem a good tool to do that.
By Brett
June 20, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
MSN and Mapquest has had these satelite images for the past couple of years. Nothing new…
By Chris
June 20, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
This is wonderful technology, especially for bicyclists. Using streetview, I can tell if a road has a shoulder or bike lane and can zoom in on speed limit signs. Using Google Earth, I can see and calculate how steep hills are.
By India
June 20, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
I don’t like it. As most people probably did, I looked up my house and my job. Fortunately my neighborhood wasn’t one of the ones photographed for this foolishness, but the neighborhoods on either side of ours were. However the bus stop where I wait every morning, and the side of my house (ours is one of the first you see when pulling into our neighborhood) is visible. Including my mother and neighbors cars. This is just another way to invade people’s privacy. While using the excuse that it HELPS people who may be lost. WHATEVER!! Uh, HELLOOOOO??!! If you get lost USE YOUR CELLPHONE!!!
By meeee
June 20, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
brett- yes, it is new. msn has bird’s eye view which does not provide a street level view of houses. nor is it as easy to use. and its not satelite imagery
By po
June 20, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
For you privacy nuts, have you tried looking up your house on zillow.com, or any of the other real estate listing sites.
By jgumbrecht_0508aa
June 20, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Chris, I agree with you. I’m not only new to the city, but new to biking. Hills and narrow roads are the bane of my commute, and now I feel like I have some way of getting around them…or at least knowing what I’m getting in to.
By Lillybelle
June 20, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Wow! I was able to find the hotel we’re staying in in San Francisco next month & take a walk around the neighborhood (digitally).
I don’t often say this word, but it’s “Awesome!” Great for traveling. See what the outside of a store or restaurant looks like before you drive there. You can even see if there really are bands of homeless people in every park, like I’d been told— didn’t see any near my hotel in San Franciscco. Love it! Hell, you can even check out the local fashions by people on the street. Fabulous!
By Lloyd
June 20, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
I was using Google just this morning the check out MARTA locations to meet friends for a trip this weekend. I got to look around the station. Wonderful! Then I went to my neighborhood and saw my house in this past Christmas’ decorations. Creepy!
By Sam
July 1, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
A photo of a house is not an invasion of privacy. A photo of you in your house is an invasion of privacy. A photo of the bus stop you wait at every morning is not an invasion of privacy. That is laughable.
Am I the only one who is actually upset that my street/house is NOT on it? All the streets around me are, but I guess since we have a gate (that is open during the day anyway) they didn’t come in.
By thebludshed
July 30, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
I live in a small town in Kentucky so I fortunatly will never have to worry about this,but I did use it to find my old house in Indianpolis and it was kinda cool to look back at the old neighbor and how it changed.