Google Maps expands its street view to include the ocean (9 HQ Photos & Video)

Google just added the very first underwater panoramic images to Google Maps and Street View. Thank goodness for that, I was just thinking I’ve been lost in the ocean one too many times now. To pull of this feat Google has partnered with the Catlin Seaview Survey, who have built an incredible camera called the SVII (Seaview II) which does for the underwater what Google’s Street View cameras do for dry land. Rapid-fire 360 degree images are taken every 3 seconds whilst traveling at a speed of approximately 4km/h. Images are then stitched together and published online in a fashion that allows anyone with a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone to self-navigate a ‘virtual dive’ in stunning high-resolution.



Below you will find snapshots and Google Maps Street View links to the underwater panoramas currently available.

Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Molokini Crater – Maui, Hawaii, United States

Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Hanauma Bay – Oahu, Hawaii, United States

Apo Islands – Dauin, Philippines

The SVII Camera by Catlin Seaview Survey