Meet Pegman: Google Makes StreetView Bigger, Easier To Use
Nov 26, 2008 at 10:26am ET by Greg Sterling
Who knew that the little “man” that helps users navigate StreetView is called “Pegman”? As much as I’m a fan of StreetView, there was always something a bit awkward about maneuvering the little man on the map to launch the StreetView image window. But Google has now made a number of improvements that make it easier to use Pegman himself and StreetView in general.
Initiating StreetView no longer involves clicking a button in the upper right of the map. Instead Pegman is integrated into the upgraded navigation module, which now more closely resembles the one in Google Earth, in the upper left of the screen:
StreetView now launches by either dragging Pegman to a point on the map or just zooming to the highest level of resolution. There are no more “info windows” that appear within the map, the StreetView image now takes over the available screen.
The display of StreetView can now be expanded to show a full screen or “split screen” that also displays a map beneath the image:
As one advances the arrows along the street in StreetView the map also reflects the corresponding movement and change of position.
Overall these changes make StreetView easier and more pleasing to use. They also represent a much more prominent integration of StreetView into the Google Maps experience.
Share, Bookmark & Discuss This Article
More:
Keep Updated: News Via Email | News Via RSS Feed | News Via Twitter
See more stories like this in the Members Library! Check out the Google: Maps & Local, Top News sections of the Members Library where this story is filed. Members also get access to exclusive video content, a members-only weekly & monthly newsletter, plus more. Check out all the benefits!
TOP STORIES
SEARCH NEWS BRIEFS
FEATURES & ANALYSIS
RECENT COMMENTS
- Duane Forrester said " Planning & Futurproofing around SEO - specifically what the future of search looks like an dhow "
- Lynbat said " I would like to see advanced training for e-commerce marketing, possibly with a line of Data Feed Op"
- Terry Whalen said " I think bidding on branded terms is usually a good idea because of the insurance argument. SERPs are"
FREE DAILY SEARCH NEWS RECAP!
SearchCap is a once-per-day newsletter update:
STAY CURRENT THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Search Engine Land produces SMX, the Search Marketing Expo conference series. SMX events deliver the most comprehensive educational and networking experiences - whether you're just starting in search marketing or you're a seasoned expert.
SMX Web Site » | SMX Difference » | SMX News »
Join us at an upcoming SMX event:
- SMX Munich – March 23-24, 2010
- SMX Toronto – April 8-9, 2010
- SMX Sydney – April 22-23, 2010
- SMX Advanced London – May 17-18, 2010
- SMX Advanced Seattle – June 8-9, 2010
- SMX East – October 4-6, 2010
- SMX Stockholm – October, 2010
Learn more about search marketing with our free online webcasts and webinars from our sister site, Search Marketing Now. Upcoming online events include:
- Excel Tips & Tricks for PPC Success – March 18, 2010
- Paid Search and Big Brand Marketing – March 30, 2010
FOLLOW US SOCIALLY
- Wall Street Journal Recommended Reading
- Ad Age Power 150 Blog
- Technorati Top 100 Blog
- Techmeme Leaderboard Source
- Best Search Engine Community/Forum
Featured sites from our Blogroll
Get Your Search Engine Land
Premium Membership!
Become a premium member today and receive:
- Express commenting privileges & photo.
- Exclusive videos & newsletters.
- Discounts to our SMX conferences.
- Access to "How To" & Other Archives.
© 2010 Third Door Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Google, Yahoo & Microsoft logos trademark respective companies and used with permission.
