Google on Tuesday began capturing Street View images of Metro Manila starting off with shots from the historic walls of Intramuros.
Google said it plans to move on to capture Street View images of the rest of the country's more than 7,000 islands.
To collect the 360-degree imagery used in the service, the company will deploy specially equipped Street View cars to take photographs of both cities and historic sites.
In Manila, it will initially focus on four areas in Intramuros – the former seat of the country during 400 years of Spanish rule. Images taken Tuesday by Google using its mobile equipment are already available online.
Google is undertaking the project together with the Philippines’ Department of Tourism, and special street views are being prepared for San Agustin, the oldest stone church in the Philippines; and Fort Santiago, the Spanish fortress that served as a prison for national hero and revolutionary Jose Rizal, who was executed by a firing squad in 1896.
And with an eye for virtual tourism, the company said it plans to offer more off-road destinations and indoor spots.
Google noted that its service has become popular for virtual tourists checking out several Asian destinations, including Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand.--Source: San Francisco Times, Wall Street Journal