Maps and culture
Google's StreetView technology has been a boon to those checking for the appearance of a particular address or location (or even checking parking restrictions). The same technology is used in Google's Art Project and the World-Wonder Project - both projects under Google's Cultural Institute that also includes the digitising of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nelson Mandela archives and other similar initiatives. Google's Art Project is a visual guide to some of the world's greatest museums - from the Acropolis museum in Athens to the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University, USA, and including full tours of many of the greatest museums globally (e.g. the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery, the Victoria & Albert museum....). The World-wonder project features tours of some of the world's greatest heritage sites, including Pompeii, Edinburgh, Yosemite National Park, Scott's Hut in Antarctica, and several others. Both are also listed in Google's StreetView gallery showcasing the technology with collections including the South Pole, the Ocean floor, UNESCO world heritage sites and several other fascinating sights.
Future developments
Search is likely to remain the main focus for Google - and some of the above may disappear if they remain unknown and unused. Google monitors the popularity of these sites - and the more popular they become, the more they are likely to be developed. At the same time, Google continues to add to its product portfolio. Other recent initiatives have included Google Drive (drive.google.com), for cloud computing, and Google's driverless cars, testing robotic cars that sense their surroundings and so navigate without needing driver input.
Arthur Weiss is an internet search expert.
Google logo courtesy of FindYourSearch via Flickr.