Swords gets the Google treatment
SUMMER tourists planning to spend a little time in the county capital will soon be able to get around much easier thanks to the work of a peculiar looking machine that has been combing the roads of Swords and beyond over the last few weeks. Many of you may have spotted a car driving around the area with what looks like a camera strapped to its roof.
Well it looks like a camera because it is a camera and no ordinary camera at that. This one has been taking pictures of the streets and by-ways of Swords and the rest of Fingal in recent weeks for a very special purpose. The camera was not spying on any illicit activity in the area, but was meant simply to record the streetscapes of Swords for internet giants, Google.
Google Street View is the logical extension to Google Maps and Google Earth and not only shows you the way to your destination but takes you on a virtual walk down the street, complete with all the landmarks you can expect to see on your journey.
Of course this will allow people to 'visit' Swords without actually setting foot in the place but it's hoped that having seen what is on offer in the county town, the perspective tourist will put the computer keyboard down and actually make the trip in reality.
The Google Street View car has not been given a warm welcome everywhere it has travelled with some residents worried about privacy issues.
But so far in Fingal, the weird looking vehicle has raised nothing beyond the odd eye-brow.
If you spot the Google car on your street, let us know at editorial@fingalindependent.ie.
- John MANNING
