10,000 suggestions for Google map

15 June 2009 11:20am

Google has received more than 10,000 suggestions in an online poll about which historic landmarks the company should visit to film for its controversial Street View mapping application.

A spokeswoman for the company said the entries were received after it launched a survey last month for the public to suggest "extra special tourists spots" for its new trike, mounted with a camera, to visit in the summer.

The 18-stone machine, powered by a cyclist in a Google cycle helmet and clothing, will have the same capability as the Street View cars, and will visit the UK for a short period.

The survey, devised with VisitBritain, the tourist information service, asked the public to submit ideas under five categories - castles, coastal paths, natural wonders, historic buildings and monuments and sports stadiums.

A Google spokeswoman said a shortlist would be drawn up and the public would be able to vote on the first three locations to be visited by the trike.

She said: "The purpose of using the trike is to take images of beauty spots or coastal paths that might be off the beaten track, not to photograph people's homes or gardens.

"As ever we will only collect images from public roads unless expressly invited by the relevant organisation, for example to take images of historic castles or monuments.

"We believe such images will offer people a new and exciting way to explore Britain's amazing history and culture."

Justin Reid, head of online marketing for VisitBritain, said: "With some five million extra Brits considering taking a holiday in their own country this year, Google's Street View is already helping us inspire them with some great urban destinations.

"The Street View trike will help us inspire visitors with a small taste of what they can discover off the beaten track."

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