PEOPLE from around the world can get a sneak preview of the iconic Burj Khalifa from the comforts of their home with its addition to Google’s Street View Special Collect list.
Google launched the 360-degree street view imagery for the tallest building in the world, dubbed the “Vertical City” last month, also marking the first skyscraper to join its global Street View collections. It is also the first time the technology has been deployed in the Arab world.
In partnership with Emaar Properties, the developer of Burj Khalifa, Google is giving users unprecedented access inside Burj Khalifa with breathtaking views. Google used a trekker device, which had never been used at such high-altitudes, to capture dramatic 360 degree views from suspended building maintenance units.
By bringing the technology to remote and restricted places around the world, it allows a global audience the ability to marvel at urban masterpieces demonstrating the depths which Google will go in its on-going quest to build the perfect, most comprehensive map.
The capture included many interior and exterior portions of Burj Khalifa including the surrounding grounds, the entrance from The Dubai Mall to “At the Top, Burj Khalifa,’ the world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace on the 124th floor, as well as the residential and commercial entrances. The capture also takes users on a journey through the high-speed elevators, Sky Lobbies, Corporate Suites, and meeting room facilities, as well as breathtaking views from inside suspended building maintenance units giving users stunning views of the city and Burj Khalifa.
Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Burj Khalifa is the pride of the United Arab Emirates, and a true icon that underlines the strength of global collaborations to create new benchmarks in engineering, architecture and urban planning. Setting the course for Google’s Street View collections in the Arab world and being the first skyscraper to be featured is indeed a true honour. We commend Google for this remarkable initiative, which will enable people around the world to experience this fascinating architectural marvel that positions the world-class city of Dubai.”
Having brought Street View imagery to more than 3,000 cities across 50 countries since 2007, Google is committed to its on-going effort to create a digital mirror of the real world and provide users with an immersive experience on the Web.
Burj Khalifa will now be among the world most famous landmarks such as Eiffel Tower and Big Ben; and natural wonders such as Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Antarctica and the Swiss Alps. Google Maps has more than one billion users per month and more than 20 per cent of search queries on Google are related to location.
The world’s first Street View imagery capturing 360-degree panoramic images of the world’s tallest skyscraper is now available on Google Maps and can be viewed on www.google.ae/streetview.