VIDEO: Google Streetview Captures The Amazon

Thanks to the amazing technology of Google Streetview, now it’s possible to take a tour of the Amazon right from your computer. Check out this behind the scenes video and see the amazing results. (scroll down for the video!)

You’ve probably seen the technology featured in Google Maps and Google Earth that provides panoramic views along city streets. But two years ago they took on the ambitious task of capturing the Amazon. They started at the Rio Negro tributary and reserve. The captured images from the river, surrounding community, and even paths in the area… eventually allowing computer users to create their own path through this gorgeous land. The camera, which takes 360 degrees of images, is usually outfitted on top of cars, but this time was rigged to work on a tricycle and the top of a boat. (Places cars can’t go.) Since they couldn’t capture everything they were smart enough to leave the equipment with the community, allowing them to continue to capture data and images. What a brilliant way to expand the possibilities for knowledge, appreciation and preservation of an area so rich in beauty and culture!

From Google’s blog: (follow the links to see the images!)

Take a virtual boat ride down the main section of the Rio Negro, and float up into the smaller tributaries where the forest is flooded. Stroll along the paths of Tumbira, the largest community in the Reserve, or visit some of the other communities who invited us to share their lives and cultures. Enjoy a hike along an Amazon forest trail and see where Brazil nuts are harvested. You can even see a forest critter if you look hard enough!

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