Going hiking can either be a low-tech escape from the connected world or it can be an extension of the technology that permeates modern life. Google is hoping to combine the two with a new initiative, the Google Street View Trekker project, which hopes to visually map some of the more remote locations in the world. With the assistance of selected members of the public, that is.
Google will be allowing some people to borrow their Trekker, but an average Joe will probably have hassles getting their hands on the 20kg 360-degree camera backpack. Google is specifically looking for institutions like a “tourism board, non-profit, government agency, university or research group” to apple to take the Trekker someplace unusual but it is possible that extremely adventurous private citizens could see consideration, should they meet Google’s requirements.
Source: Ars Technica