Merced Sun-Star (Merced, Calif.)
Yosemite National Park and Google Maps announced their partnership on a project that allows visitors to explore the park’s features with the help of “cutting-edge technology.”
On Thursday, Google Maps launched its Street View imagery, which offers a virtual tour of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Mirror Lake, Bridalveil Fall and several other popular destinations. The program also allows people to learn about the history and geology of the park.
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is closed for a major restoration project. But now with the Street View feature, people can “visit” the Mariposa Grove online and see the trees virtually.
The first installment of the project, “El Capitan Street View,” was released in June, according to a news release from park officials.
El Capitan, one of the park’s major attractions, draws rock climbers from around the globe to climb routes that soar up to 3,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley, according to officials.
Through Street View, climbers have access to video and still photography of El Capitan. Visitors can also watch interviews and explanations from other rock climbers. Information from geologists, wildlife biologists and other staff is also featured.
“Following the epic release of our first ever vertical Street View imagery up the rock face of El Capitan this past summer, we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Yosemite National Park to publish still more imagery of some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring locations the park has to offer,” said Deanna Yick, Google Street View program manager.
Park officials said the partnership with Google Maps allows for Yosemite’s features to be appreciated across the world.
“Our partnership with Google enables an unlimited number of people to experience Yosemite National Park in new and innovative ways,” said Don Neubacher, Yosemite National Park superintendent.
To see Google Maps’ latest Street View additions of Yosemite National Park, visit http://www.google.com/maps/streetview/#us-parks-trails-and-beaches and http://www.google.com/maps/streetview/#yosemite.
©2015 the Merced Sun-Star (Merced, Calif.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
