Capture the World With a Borrowed Google Trekker Backpack

If you’re heading to a remote locale not yet captured by Google’s ubiquitous Street View cameras, you can volunteer to document the scenery using one of Google’s own Trekker backpacks.

The Trekker is a compact version of the same tech used in Google’s Street View cars. The pièce de résistance is a 15-lens camera, mounted atop a spire-like appendage, that can capture 46MP images.

Until recently, only Google and select third parties got the opportunity to strap on a Trekker, but now interested organizations can fill out a form to line up for a chance at borrowing one. If you snap top-notch stuff, Google may add your work to its Street View collection, which includes the Galapagos and the Grand Canyon.

It doesn’t look like any old Joe will be able to borrow a Trekker, though. Google lists example organizations such as non-profits, tourism boards, government agencies, universities or research groups as appropriate targets for the Trekker loaning program. Still, it will be fascinating to see where Street View will be able to head with these groups — the bubbling crater of a volcano? Mayan ruins? Deep inside stalactite-filled caves?

Wired got to go hands-on with one of Google’s Trekkers during a venture through the Grand Canyonlast October.

Credits: wired