Google Street View In Canada

Google street view is now available in several Canadian cities. Whether you want to check out someplace you have been, or a place where you want to go, this is a great new tool.

Those concerned about security need not worry. The view is not shown in real time. The resolution is good enough to recognize someone if you already know him or her, but most shots only show the street, and surrounding buildings.

It is possible that some criminals might use the resource, but not any more likely than a city map. They would probably be just as likely to ride around at random.

The photographs are taken by an automobile with a special camera mount on top. It is not quite an invasion of ones privacy as the view is no different than what anyone would see driving on a city street.
Some vehicles are visible, but their license plates are not shown, and would only be identifiable by make.

On some of the buildings, the street number can be seen. The buildings are recognizable, and the view is good enough that they can be used as a reference to find an address.

The average person, who has to find a business, or a person’s house, would find it very helpful. This would probably be its most common use.

It is also a good tool to check out the area surrounding a part of town you might be interested in visiting.
Others report using it as a way to get a look at places where they used to live.

For the most part it is a useful service and should be well received.