How to add your office to Google street view

When Google street view first appeared on the world scene, everyone got excited. It wasn’t long before we started discovering new things about the world around us. Some of it was just plain weird.

With a highly advanced panoramic camera, capturing 360 degree views and GPS data, fitted to a moving vehicle winding its way through every side street and back alley of the world, Google had done something amazing.

And now, it’s possible to do it yourself! You can make your own office street view tour! All you need is an Android phone (running KitKat or higher) and the Google Camera app (free from the Play Store)*.

1. Install the free Google Camera app.
2. Proceed to the location you want to capture (for outdoor locations activate your phone’s GPS; in areas where GPS is unavailable, such as an office or underwater, you will need to manually set the location).
3. Open Google Camera, set it to Photo Sphere and follow the instructions to take a picture.
4. Open the photo in your gallery and use the Share option to share the photosphere with Google Maps (you must be logged into your Google+ account).
5. You can now share it with your friends and, if Google approves it, it will be included with the public version of Google Maps.

It might take a few goes to master the technique but here are a few tips to help you along.

Here’s one we did of the foyer of our building:

*There are other ways to do it but this is generally regarded as the easiest.

Tips for a better photo sphere

• Keep the camera steady; if possible use a movable tripod or makeshift rig.
• Keep a good distance away from objects; the Photo Sphere has difficulty stitching nearby items seamlessly.
• Try to avoid capturing people – it is less likely Google will approve your image, particularly if they are close up.

The best way to view your new Photo Sphere

To make your panoramic photo spheres even more amazing why not view them in a Google Cardboard device? These relatively inexpensive fold-together units allow you to turn your phone into a virtual reality device. Some call it the Oculus Thrift.

To get started simply install the app, and order a headset online. It comes with velcro strapping so you adjust it for different sized phones. Even so it took us a little while to get it working correctly so be patient.

We’re sure it won’t be long until you’ll see people wearing these cardboard headsets everywhere. Forget Google Glass, this is the boldest tech fashion statement in a very long time.

How many panoramic photo spheres have you made?

Already made a start? Feel free to share your photo sphere links in the comments. We’d love to see some from New Zealand – it looks like a beautiful excuse to make photo spheres!