Discover when, where, and how we collect 360 imagery

First off we need to actually drive around and photograph the locations to show in Street View. We pay close attention to many factors, including the weather and the population density of various areas, to determine when and where we can collect the best possible imagery.

To match each image to its geographic location on the map, we combine signals from sensors on the car that measure GPS, speed and direction. This helps us reconstruct the car’s exact route, and even tilt and realign images as needed.

To avoid gaps in the 360 photos, adjacent cameras take slightly overlapping pictures, and then we ‘stitch’ the photos together into a single 360 degree image. We then apply special image processing algorithms to lessen ‘seams’ and create smooth transitions.

How quickly the car's lasers reflect off surfaces tells us how far a building or an object is, and helps us build a 3D model of the world. When you move to an area in the distance in Street View, this model determines the best panorama to show you for that location.