A Peak District national park ranger with Google Trekker backpack on the Monsal Viaduct.
The Peak District national park is claiming two firsts as it celebrates its 63rd birthday.
The park authority is the first in Britain to use Google’s Trekker to produce images of its off-road routes for the internet giant’s Google Maps Street View.
And the Californian company has produced a Google Doodle to mark the park’s anniversary, which is appearing today for anyone using the Google home page to search the internet.
The Trekker is a backpack-borne piece of equipment containing a 15-angle lens camera, which takes 360 degree pictures every 2½ seconds. These are then added to Street View, available through Google Maps.
The gear is 4ft (122cm) tall and weighs 19kg (42½lbs).
The Mountain View company has loaned the national park one of its Trekker units and staff are being trained in using it. The authority said its traffic-free trails are ideal places to trial the Trekker.
Some previous world-famous locations captured include the USA’s Grand Canyon, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and a few of the world’s highest peaks.
Jim Dixon, chief executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “I am thrilled to know we are the first UK national park to get the Trekker backpack.
“It is amazing to think that thanks to technology many more people will be able to enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of the Peak District.
“The Trekker will help bring the Peak District to life online and hopefully inspire families to come and enjoy a walk or a cycle ride in the most beautiful landscapes.”
Emily Clarke from Google said: “We’re excited that the Peak District will be using the Street View Trekker so more of us can experience its famous trails and views from wherever we are.”
Planned routes to be photographed include the Tissington, High Peak, Monsal and Thornhill Trails; Stanage Edge and the Derwent Valley.
The Peak District Google Doodle
The search page Google Doodle has been created with the gritstone Salt Cellar from Derwent Edge with a typical Peak District millstone.
Mr Dixon said: “I’m really excited that Google has chosen to reflect the Peak District national park on its home page.
“The Google Doodle has become an institution since Google’s founders began to change the famous Google logo to reflect different stories.
“As the world now increasingly uses the Google search engine to go about its business, being selected to be a Doodle is very prestigious.
“Across the world only a very few national parks have featured, including Yosemite on its birthday and Mount Fuji when it achieved World Heritage Status.”
Mr G Wetton
18 April 2014Cyclist can be a menace on bridalways tow paths and peak footpaths. Being a regular walker on these byways I dont agree with irresponsable riders careering silently from behind you. Only last week some idiot ran in to my daughter and 6 year old grandson whilst walking on the Cromford canal towpath. His response was a very nasty four letter word. He didnt care that he'd injured her shoulder. I think cycles should have some identification number or registration mark to enable them to be identified and held responsable in incidents such as this. Walkincg and cycling dont mix.
Bill
20 April 2014I totally agree. I saw a child run down on a school crossing as the cyclist rode past a red traffic light and did not even stop. These people seem to think they are, not only above the law, but owe nobody the slightest consideration.
Jon Booty
20 April 2014Yes and there are idiot walkers too, who refuse to let you past despite despite the fact we approached with consideration and cheerfully greeted the walkers with a polite 'hello'.
I don't condone the actions of a minority of cyclists, but you have rotten apples in your basket too!
Bridleways are for walkers, equestrians AND cyclists. We all should make efforts to get along.
That is too much effort for some I fear.
Jonathan Wickens
20 April 2014No-one has a right to injure someone else in pursuit of their own sport or gratification. The bridleways should be used by all, but consideration and respect is required when walkers, riders, and cyclists meet.
It's great that we have so many people out enjoying the countryside and keeping healthy, to return home with an injury or simmering after an argument would be a real shame and only requires a little restraint to avoid.
Jim
20 April 2014The right to cycle on a bridleway is subject to an obligation on cyclists to “give way to pedestrians and persons on horseback”. (Countryside Act 1968, s. 30(1), (2))
A Piglit
20 April 2014I don't want to add anything to the above cyclists are psychos debate but I would like to say, re the article
GOOGLE CAN EFF OFF OUT THE PEAK
THAT RANGER LOOKS LIKE A COMPLETE xxxx
What is the Peak doing working with this world dominating intrusive corporation????
Bill Stickers
24 April 2014Cyclist should pay road tax like the rest of us
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