I have quite a some passions when it comes to the contribution on maps, but if I have to pick one then I love to add 360 degree view to maps the most.
It began quite early some years ago with a HTC one phone and manual stitching (one of my first : https://goo.gl/maps/2VweUSqMMqHpwpmg7).
I was hooked up by the possibility to enable people to teleport to other places and have a look around. Over the years I continued and also cared more about composition in a 360, care about the sunbeams and evolved.
Last year then I first could rent a 360 degree camera from the google loan program https://www.google.com/streetview/loan/ and afterwards - special thanks to the google streetview team on the last summit - even now own a Theta V to experience a easier way to create 360 photos and videos.
To help some non profits (like library https://goo.gl/maps/tyyUtVq5bsPupMbN6 or social second hand store https://goo.gl/maps/SbWVrWibv8Epxc98A) I tried and tested indoor streetviews and I liked the new perspective and creating ways & navigation nodes.
Also there I learned over time like:
- to make a blueprint of the location first (I advice to photo the escape/emergency plan as a easy and fast way)
- select the photo-point according to the future connected ways & navigation to have straight lines and not so sharp/overlapping crossroads
- also record the locations (and the sequence how you made the photos) on our plan for a more easy connection later.
- Take care about reflecting objects (mirrors or windows or even high glossy surfaces which could lead to the fact that your camera and equipment are in the photo)
- And of course find great and creative “hiding” places for yourself when you shoot a photo - remember always when you see the camera - the camera sees you too :- )
It makes quite fun so I also now regular took the cam on business trips and vacation and made some indoor navigations from hotel rooms (https://goo.gl/maps/FypEprsxURMqdVvw9 (Germany) or https://goo.gl/maps/df4qNurd4GtgAaPu6 (Romania) or https://goo.gl/maps/R8pURKWHxF1U59C56(Zyprus)
I even tried out to draw a view new blue streetview lines (like in Zyprus were no street view was available in the region at all: https://goo.gl/maps/6UXyN3PapbLTLiZN9 or in Switzerland https://goo.gl/maps/ebqnXux42rW7wjqS8) and to be honest , quite a great feeling if you see a complete new blue line appearing.
Hope I could maybe some of you inspire to also give it a try, either by your phone with manual stitching, or via a camera loan program, or own 360 camera or even by photos with a DSLR (which will be my next step in this journey - maybe somebody has some tips for that ? )
Happy 360 photoing…
Michael
