Google plans to redeploy its Street View cars to photograph 28 Slovak towns and cities between April and October, updating the imagery available in Google Maps. The company confirmed the project, which will involve capturing 360-degree images, is expected to take several months to complete, with photography not yet underway.
The planned photography locations include Bánovce nad Bebravou, Banská Bystrica, Banská Štiavnica, Bratislava, Brezno, Bytča, Čadca, Dunajská Streda, Gelnica, Kežmarok, Komárno, Levice, Levoča, Michalovce, Nitra, Nové Zámky, Považská Bystrica, Rožňava, Ružomberok, Senica, Skalica, Snina, Spišská Nová Ves, Šaľa, Trenčín, Trnava, Zvolen, and Žilina. Google cautioned that the final list of locations and routes may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or road closures.
The company also noted that the Street View vehicles may operate in smaller towns and villages within proximity to the listed locations. This is not the first time Google has deployed Street View cars in Slovakia; the service relies on periodic updates to maintain current imagery.
Addressing privacy concerns, Google stated that it will blur faces and vehicle license plates captured in the images. The company also offers a process for individuals to request the blurring of other specific objects within the Street View imagery. Captured images will not be published to Google Maps until after processing, a process that can take several months.
The update comes as Google continues to invest in its mapping technologies. According to information provided by a photographer in Bratislava, Lucia Benedikova, professional photography often involves pre-shoot consultations regarding clothing and location choices to achieve optimal results. Similarly, businesses seeking professional portraits for marketing materials, as offered by Slovakphoto.com, also benefit from pre-shoot planning and location scouting.
