You know Google Street View, right? Well, it looks like Google Trail View may be just around the corner. The Google Trekker -- a 40-pound backpack that performs the same function as camera-laden Street View cars -- was recently demonstrated for media. It's being used to "map" Grand Canyon hiking trails just like the Street View car maps roads and buildings.
Don't worry -- if you're out hiking when someone goes by with the Trekker your face will be blurred out, (just like this bear's).
I have mixed feelings about this blend of technology and the outdoors. On one hand, it's nice that people who might never get to visit the Grand Canyon in person can see it -- and the trails -- online. At the same time, doesn't it take just a little bit of mystery out of the experience?
What do you think?
Photo © Lisa Maloney: Google will point the way?
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