‘Street View’ mode is the latest addition to Google Maps impressively robust list of features. To make Street View possible, the Google team literally drove a van all over Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs, taking 360 degree panoramic pictures all along the way. Since most people commute around NYC either by public transportation or walking, being able to make your commute virtually before you make it physically is an incredibly valuable resource.

While previous versions of Google’s mapping technology gave you directions to your destination along with a bird’s eye view of the area, it was devoid of the real world context that makes finding locations easier. When you get directions to a friend’s house, the address is usually accompanied by a physical description such as “it’s the white house with all the lawn flamingos.” Being able to visualize your destination makes a huge difference, especially considering that finding a building address is increasingly difficult in commercial areas.

Telling someone my office is located at 75 Ninth Avenue allows them to easily find the general area, but finding the specific building is still very difficult (as I found out when I came here for my interview). Wouldn’t it be easier to just look at a picture? Now, when you approach that general area, you have some familiar sights to guide you. We all know people who don’t work well with specific directions. If you tell them to head north 2 blocks and make a right on 24th street, they will inevitably end up lost. But, advising them to make that same turn at the deli with the red awning and including a picture of the corner will increase their probability of finding their destination.

I am obviously very impressed and excited about the possibilities of Street View. How will people use this tool and what cities are next in line to be mapped? Any thoughts?

UPDATE: I’m famous! I was looking around my neighborhood and found myself crossing the street on my way to the subway. I wasn’t positive until I zoomed in and saw my gold striped Pumas. Google, I think you owe me some likeness royalties.