The most beautiful locations on earth are often hidden deep in the wild. A group of Italian outdoor enthusiasts have created a web service that provides panoramic views of some of the world’s most hidden and remote locations. They say their creation "Trail Me Up" reaches places that Google’s Street View can’t access.
Visiting a tribal village in Ethiopia, climbing mountains and hiking through national parks have all become accessible through your computer. "Trail Me Up", an online augmented reality system, works like Google’s Street View, but offers something different.
"Trail Me Up" is a service that allows you to take virtual guided tours of places that can be reached only by foot, said founder Fabio Zaffagnini.
"It’s a kind of Street View that gives people the possibility to join virtual tours of trails, forests and national parks. Along with that, there is also a part that explains what you see in the panoramas. What comes out is a sort of interactive documentary," Zaffagnini said.
The secret lies in this backpack which is equipped with five synchronised cameras connected to one shutter release button. The person wearing it releases the shutter every 20 to 30 metres, thus taking a 360 degree image of the surrounding area. Users can move through the trails and get detailed views of every angle just by clicking on the arrows on the website.
"Trail Me Up" is also working with the Italian Alpine Club to involve its members in mapping the Italian mountains. It won’t be long before you can explore many of the wonders of nature just from you laptop.
Source: CCTV
