14 DAY TRIAL // Google Maps Street View is one of the most popular functions included in the web-based mapping tool because it allows users to view street level panoramas from several US cities. Although its main goal is to enable consumers to enjoy the imagery, some companies found different uses of the functions. LaudonTech announced that it is currently offering a special tool that allows firms "to embed Google Street View technology directly in their corporate web pages."
According to the company, there are several new uses of Street View that can bring new functionality to the web-based mapping tool.
"Realty Listings - Potential clients can now view a property listing and surrounding neighborhood before physically viewing the property. This is especially significant for out of town buyers; Virtual Tourism - Potential visitors can now scope out hotels and tourist attractions before traveling; Restaurant Reservations - Potential restaurant patrons can now view a restaurant of interest previous to attending."
Street View was one of the most criticized functions of Google Maps because numerous users raised privacy concerns as the feature showed too many details straight from people's houses. Because of that, the parent company Google decided to create a special function to allow the users to remove certain pictures appearing on the website.
However, it was proved that it's very difficult to remove a picture from Street View because the Mountain View company demands all kinds of information such as pictures and official documents to reveal your identity.
Google Maps is a web-based solution that allows the users to view satellite maps straight from an online interface. Although Google also offers a downloadable version, Google Earth, Google Maps is more attractive for the Internet users because it can be access for free without any installation. However, Google Earth is a little bit more powerful because it offers very useful offline functions.