Earthmine's photo-truck totally tries to one-up Google, Microsoft

Street level mapping services like Google's Street View and Microsoft's Live Local have gotten a lot of attention lately, but while the notion of pervasive map-linked photography is pretty impressive, the actual execution leaves something to be desired -- the images are occasionally of low quality, have stitching errors, and there are some lingering privacy concerns. A new company called Earthmine is out to solve all those problems, though, by providing high-quality, survey-accurate panoramic photography -- and has a truck or two with cameras towering tall to prove it. Unlike Google's video system, Earthmine plans to use laser range finders and high dynamic range still cameras mounted higher than usual to provide perspective-accurate images that preserve detail and resolution -- but automatically blur out faces and other identifying information, like license plates. Earthmine is planning on selling the service to businesses and governmental agencies, but a consumer version should launch at the end of the summer. We think they should watch out though, we hear the Street View and Live Local drivers have crazy road rage; we really wouldn't want to see anybody from Earthmine get caught up in some kind of weird, street level photography turf war.

[Thanks, eggman]

[Matt O @ Jun 28th 2007 10:41AM]

i love my nissn xterra

[Egan Foote @ Jun 28th 2007 10:49AM]

I miss the old Pathfinder. I don't like this new one that they are CALLING a Pathfinder. Jerks.

Egan, out.

http://eganfoote.wordpress.com

[Jesse @ Jun 28th 2007 11:08AM]

I think the people that complain about privacy concerns with this are ridiculous. By going outside into public you are lowering your expectation of privacy. Anyone can see you, your license plate, or what you are doing.

[halfeatenfish @ Jun 28th 2007 11:36AM]

"Anyone can see you, your license plate, or what you are doing."

Perfectly true... and I understand exactly where you're coming from. However, when you step out on the street, the WORLD can't see you... and I think therein lies the concern.

[Ellianth @ Jun 28th 2007 11:41AM]

They should just tell people they'll be taking photographs of the street. Then shop owners can fancy up their stores, Mr./Mrs. "Omg people can see me" can stay indoors, and people (like me) can strike a pose. Might be fake or posed, but when people around the word see the photos, they'll think your country is first rate and want to visit. If they don't like it when they come because it's not as advertised, who care? You already got their money :P.

[Ellianth @ Jun 28th 2007 11:37AM]

I'll prepare two headlines for next week, since the buying can go either way.


Google Buys Earthmine for 12 Billion dollars.

Microsoft buys Earthmine for undisclosed sum.

[srw @ Jun 28th 2007 6:00PM]

I think you just nailed their buisness strategy..

[Justin @ Jun 28th 2007 11:57AM]

Although this is fairly new in the context that you mentioned. 3M has been doing this for years. They have a vehicle they take to cities across the nation, it maps using GPS (and wheel rotation) to 6 high resolution cameras. They then run it through processing software to figure out the various condition of roads and street signs.

It's pretty cool, the software they use literally lets you "drive" through the city.

[gishead @ Jan 8th 2008 5:59PM]

Hey Justin
Is 3M really in this business? I can't find anything?

Here is the market as I see it

http://www.immersivemedia.com cool but low quality video http://www.ilookabout.com great quality lot of canadian and northern US coverage http://www.earthmine.com Looks good but does it work? http://books.google.com/help/maps/streetview/ used to use immersive but dumped them due to quality. 23 cities of so so quality http://www.mapjack.com/ no real coverage? does it work? http://www.imoveinc.com/ nice but defense orientated http://Everyscape.com fun but no real coverage - Microsoft and Yahoo is nowhere to be found on this last two years.

[Justin @ Jan 9th 2008 12:26AM]

I wish I could tell you more... I know it was a partnership between 3M and another company, and it's purpose was very specific... I don't believe it was done on a "public" basis, more as part of a service for cities that they supply road signs for (to help figure out how many new signs they need).

[Chris @ Jun 28th 2007 12:12PM]

Saw this truck in SF not that long ago...

http://flickr.com/photos/chrisr/559061406/

[kombizz @ Jun 28th 2007 2:57PM]

What a ridiculous idea !

[stephen @ Jun 28th 2007 4:48PM]

First and formost, it'll be exciting when we do finally get to see one of Google's trucks on Microsoft Live's site. Then visa versa on Google's site. It'll be like real life myspacing or something.

Secondly, if i ever see one of these trucks, and i have no idea how fast they drive, but if i can, I'm going to run along with him as long as my heart will let me.

Given past running experiences that will be about 30-40 yards.

Still, that'll be 30-40 yards of Google Maps fame, ;).

[GeoTrotter @ Jul 2nd 2007 7:39AM]

I added here the most amazing Street View : http://www.geo-trotter.com/cat-street-view.php