Years ago, Google\u2019s <\/a> Street View program expanded from streets to virtually everywhere, thanks to Google\u2019s Trekker program that put 360-degree Street View cameras into a single backpack. Today, Google announced<\/a> its upgraded Trekker backpack, which is significantly smaller and lighter than before. The old one weighed in at about 44 pounds<\/a>.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not just a new design, though \u2014 Google also notes that the new Trekker features improved hardware that will allow it to capture better and sharper imagery, thanks to higher-resolution sensors and an increased aperture.<\/p>\n \u201cLike previous Trekker generations, the new version can be put on cars, boats or even zip lines,\u201d the company explains. \u201cThis helps when capturing hard-to-access places, or when building maps for developing countries and cities with complex structures.\u201d<\/p>\n While you probably can\u2019t just get a Trekker to map out your garden, Google notes that it continues to run its Trekker loan program<\/a>. This program is open to organizations like tourism boards, nonprofits, government agencies, universities and research groups.<\/p>\n Chances are, you\u2019ll see some improved Street View imagery from hard to reach places on Google Maps soon. Until then, you can go ahead and take a virtual stroll through Petra<\/a> or across the beaches of Christmas Island<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Years ago, Google\u2019s Street View program expanded from streets to virtually everywhere, thanks to Google\u2019s Trekker program that put 360-degree Street View cameras into a single backpack. Today, Google announced its upgraded Trekker backpack, which is significantly smaller and lighter than before. The old one weighed in at about 44 pounds.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5175,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[6],"tags":[136,1434,1541],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n