Google reaches new heights as it maps world’s tallest building

Google launched this week its 360-degree street view imagery for the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world; dubbed the “Vertical City.” This is the first time the Street View technology has been deployed in the Arab world.
Burj Khalifa will now be among world most famous landmarks, such as Eiffel Tower and Big Ben; and natural wonders such as Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Antarctica and the Swiss Alps.
Google officials said there will be further announcements about the service in the region in the coming months. Before the launching ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was given a special preview of the service.
“We are so proud that Google has selected Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa for its first skyscraper — the images are breathtaking and Burj Khalifa is a beaming example of the vision and achievements of this nation,” said Mohammad Gawdat, vice president, Google in MENA.
In partnership with Emaar Properties, the developer of Burj Khalifa, Google is giving users unprecedented access inside Burj Khalifa with breathtaking views. Google used a trekker device, which had never been used at such high-altitudes, to capture dramatic 360 degree views from suspended building maintenance units. Shots inside the Burj were taken using a camera system fitted to a trolley during the three-day shoot.
The capture included many interior and exterior portions of Burj Khalifa including the surrounding grounds, the entrance from The Dubai Mall to “At the Top, Burj Khalifa,’ the world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace on the 124th floor, as well as the residential and commercial entrances. The capture also takes users on a journey through the high-speed elevators, Sky Lobbies, Corporate Suites, and meeting room facilities, as well as breathtaking views of the city from inside the skyscraper.
“Setting the course for Google’s Street View collections in the Arab world and being the first skyscraper to be featured is indeed a true honor. We commend Google for this remarkable initiative, which will enable people around the world to experience this fascinating architectural marvel that positions the world-class city of Dubai,” Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties said.
Street View lets a viewer explore places around the world through 360-degree street-level imagery. Google Maps has more than one billion users per month and more than 20 percent of search queries are related to location. Google had launched local map domains from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia and Iraq in 2011. According to Google officials, Since localization, Maps usage in MENA has more than doubled. Currently, the Street View imagery is available from more than 3,000 cities across 50 countries.
When asked whether this technology will affect the privacy of the public, officials clarified that Street View only features imagery taken in public locations.
Burj Khalifa is now available on Google Maps and can be viewed on www.google.ae/streetview.