Have you always wanted to see the depths of the ocean but never got the change? As always, Google is here for you, ready to offer you the second-best experience thanks to Google’s new and expanded Street View, complete with an underwater tour.
As confirmed by the tech giant in a blog post on Thursday, Google Street View isn’t just strictly “street view” anymore, as more than 40 aquatic spots around the globe are now available for all users to see, including the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, the deep sea waters of Bali, the Great Barrier Reef and the Bahamas.
The imagery posted on Google’s servers is breathtaking, revealing the beauty of the underwater with fish, whales and many other sea creatures. You can also spot shipwrecks, coral reefs, and explore to your heart’s desire.
Offering underwater images is definitely a change from what Google usually posts on Street View; the spots that are available were above the water. But taking a digital tour means more than an alternative to the real deal of marveling at what the sea has to show.
By providing aquatic images on its service, Google is attempting to raise awareness about the harm that’s being done to our oceans. At the same time, the company is also illustrating the ways various organizations are trying to preserve the undersea realm.
In its official blog post, Google representatives wrote about the significant importance of the world’s oceans, which act as a life support system for the creatures and plants living on Earth. The weather, the air we breathe and the rainfall are just a few of the things where we depend on the Earth’s waters, which are unfortunately in constant change due to pollution and overfishing.
The new images are Google’s way of mapping the ocean, reminding the world about one of the most serious environmental issues we face today. The company has also began a partnership with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the Chagos Conservation Trust.
Virtually touring the underwater is easy, as it uses the same options as with all Street View images; zoom in or out and marvel at the panoramic view of whatever your subject is.
Image Source: ufunk
