New Google photo map of Portland debuts

New Google photo map of Portland debuts

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Story Published: Oct 10, 2007 at 7:00 PM PDT

Story Updated: Oct 11, 2007 at 12:59 PM PDT

By Nick Winkler and KATU Web Staff

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PORTLAND, Ore. - Google has just launched a new mapping system that gives a ground-level, photographic view of every street in Portland.

The mapping is easy to use:

  • Go to the Google Maps Web site.
  • Type in a Portland address.
  • Hit 'enter' or the 'Search Maps' button.
  • Click on 'Street View.'
  • Click on the litttle orange guy.
  • Use the navigation tools to zoom in or out, travel down the street or change the direction of the view.

Aside from being able to see your own home, there are other uses being explored. For example, the Portland Police Bureau told KATU News the new mapping could be very useful for them, like if they had a warrant for an arrest and wanted to see the best way to approach a home.

However, not everyone is happy that Google photographed their home and an image of it is now available on the Internet for anyone to access.

There is also a concern that the maps could be used by terrorists, who have been suspected of photographing buildings and landmarks for years, but Google has censored images that are sensitive to national security concerns. 

For example, they blurred out the official Washington, D.C. residence of Vice President Dick Cheney. 

Earlier this year, Microsoft launched a Portland product as well through their Live Search Maps, but instead of photos they used 3D imagery of the Rose City. 

Click here to learn more.

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