Google Maps goes underwater, adds coral reef panoramas

Friday, September 28, 2012 in Google

Google has added panoramic images of various coral reefs to its Google Maps. Google has also released photos of six underwater locations, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the Apo Islands and several other coral-filled spots throughout the Pacific.
“Today we’re adding the very first underwater panoramic images to Google Maps, the next step in our quest to provide people with the most comprehensive, accurate and usable map of the world. With these vibrant and stunning photos you don’t have to be a scuba diver—or even know how to swim—to explore and experience six of the ocean’s most incredible living coral reefs,” says Google in a blog post.

Google's new initiative is part of Google's World Wonders project, a website that uses Google's Street View Technology to map the lesser known sites across the world.
Google has partnered with The Catlin Seaview Survey, a major scientific study of the world’s reefs, to make the images available to users of Google Maps. According to Google, the Catlin Seaview Survey used a specially designed underwater camera, the SVII, to take these photos.

“Whether you’re a marine biologist, an avid scuba diver or a landlocked landlubber, we encourage you to dive in and explore the ocean with Google Maps,” concludes Google.