Just when you thought that Google had mapped everything on the planet, they go and map some more. Not content with simply mapping the entire internet, Google has mapped most of the famous art museums in the world and the streets in most major cities. They've taken cameras through the Amazon and recently, they've even taken their Street View technology to Antarctica. With their new World Wonders project, users can virtually stroll around the ruins at Pompeii and explore many of the world's greatest wonders. They've also taken cameras rafting down many U.S rivers, and now, they're headed under the sea.
While working in partnership with the University of Queensland and the Catlin Group, the Google Street View cameras have mapped the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. According to one of the project scientists, "For the first time in history, we have the technology available to broadcast the findings of an expedition through Google. Millions of people will be able to experience the life, the science and the magic that exists under the surface of our oceans."
It's amazing to think of how future generations will benefit from the technology that we create today. 30 years from now, we will be able to see what impact global climate change and pollution have on our reefs by simply taking a look at the video footage from previous years. Although Google started with the Great Barrier Reef, this month they are breaking ground on a project to similarly map six of our planets reefs.
Take a look at the video. It is breathtaking.
Google's interests in our planet's water isn't a new thing. In fact, last year Google Earth began a project to map the sea floor. According to the latest post on the Google Blog, they have this to say about their newest project:
“...The next step in our quest to provide people with the most comprehensive, accurate and usable map of the world. With these vibrant and stunning photos you don’t have to be a scuba diver—or even know how to swim—to explore and experience six of the ocean’s most incredible living coral reefs. Now, anyone can become the next virtual Jacques Cousteau and dive with sea turtles, fish and manta rays in Australia, the Philippines and Hawaii.”
What's just as interesting as the panoramic photos is the technology they used to create the images. Of course, they decided not to drive a Street View car through the ocean. Instead, the Catlin Survey Group used a team of trained scuba divers and a special camera called Seaview SVII. Like the Google Street View cameras, this underwater camera takes rapid 360 degree photos every 3 seconds while the camera is traveling at 4km/second. With every photo it takes, it also records specific location and camera direction information. This means that it will be possible to take the exact same shot at a different time. Making it simple to see how each location changes over time.
In addition to the Seaview SVII, the Survey group also used specially designed underwater tablets. These tablets are remarkable because not only can they be used under water, they are capable of connecting to the internet and sending and receiving information from the bottom of the sea. When you think about it, it's really mind-blowing.
Although the scuba divers have done most of the mapping, there are times when using a human diver just isn't possible. In order to get to the very bottom of the ocean, the Survey Group has created the DeepCAT deep water robot. The robot is actually more like a remote-controlled vehicle. Unlike a human diver, the DeepCAT can take high definition photos for hours and hours, without getting tired or running out of air. Another plus is that they can shoot straight back to the surface when they're done without the worry of a water pressure changes. Not only are these robots being used for this project, they will also be a used to help scientists monitor the impact of global warming and pollution on the ocean floor.
The results of this project are amazing. It's difficult to believe that we have the technology to accomplish something of this scope. Take a look at the Great Barrier Reef on Street View and see what you think.
Ten years ago, did you think something like this was possible? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Image by Exsodus / freedigitalphotos.net
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