Google Street View Integrates Visual Maps of Key London Stations

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that 18 of its busiest stations have been visually mapped and integrated into Google Street View. Over the past year, Google has captured footage within 36 London stations. The mapping process involves an individual wearing a backpack equipped with 360-degree cameras, traversing every corridor, escalator, and platform within each station. This recorded footage was subsequently compiled and made accessible online, with commuters’ faces automatically blurred. Rebecca Clarke, 20, a resident of Wimbledon and student at King’s College, meticulously plans her journeys as a wheelchair user, requiring knowledge of lift locations and level boarding areas. She anticipates that the Street View project, by enabling advance viewing of stations, will significantly enhance her travel experience. Clarke stated, “It’s all well and good having this information written down, but being able to see where those lifts that you need to get to are, where you can go on the platform and if there are any services like bathrooms, it would be really helpful.” However, the new system is not without its limitations, such as not indicating the route from the lifts. Ms Clarke acknowledged the potential for further enhancements, remarking, “I hope we can work with TfL to make that improvement. It would be really useful to be able to press on the lift on the screen and be able to see exactly where you come out, rather than having to use the stairs on the map.” Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, commented that the collaboration with Google allows customers to plan their journeys with increased confidence. She added, “This project also supports our wider ‘equity in motion’ ambition of improving signage, helping people to better navigate some of the capital’s busiest stations, and help us to build a better, more equitable London.” Sarah Pugh, who leads the children’s wheelchair charity Whizz Kidz, conveyed that the organization was “thrilled” to collaborate on the scheme with TfL and Google. Pugh stated, “This will support wheelchair users to travel through stations, planning routes and travel with confidence and independence. “We continue to support new innovations from TfL and other partners to ensure access to public transport is equitable for all.”” An additional 18 stations are scheduled to become available on Google Street View by the end of the year. Stations that now have Google Street View: Google Street View will be available before the end of the year: All rights reserved. Copyright 2024 BBC. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.