Silicon Valley has come to Northern BC.
The Google Trekker is here and will be spending the next three months in the region visiting iconic landmarks and scenery.
“It’s our street view technology that we have mounted on a wearable backpack, that has the camera technology on the front. It’s got 15 cameras and takes photos every 2-3 seconds as you walk.” Google Canada Tourism lead Kim Rellinger said at a media event beside Prince George’s Shane Lake on Monday
Rellinger says the program started in 2012, first at the Grand Canyon. It made it’s first trip to Canada in Iqaluit in 2013.
“The more places we can map and have people get an accurate place in the world, really makes the cartography of the digital age. We are putting things on the map that many people would not have the chance to see otherwise.”
Clint Fraser with Northern BC Tourism says they landed the Trekker through an application process, with their second attempt being successful. He says the unit will cover plenty over ground over the next three months, reaching all corners of the region including; Haida Gwaii and Salmon Glacier in the Northwest, Liard Hot Springs and Tumbler Ridges Global Geopark in the Peace.
“Then obviously all areas in between, places like the Ancient Forest… and places like this; Forest for the World”
Northern BC Tourism will be relying on volunteers to take the Trekker into remote sites, and will be trying to source local people with a connection to the place who can expand on the story of the site.
There are just two Google Trekkers in Canada this year, both of them in BC.
A blog will be documenting the Trekker tour all summer, you can follow along at www.treknorthernbc.com