By San José, Costa Rica — Google Maps has rolled out a significant update to its Street View feature, expanding its coverage to include more areas of Costa Rica. This update allows users to virtually explore the country’s streets and landscapes in an interactive way directly through Google Maps.
A video shared by content creator and GeoGuessr player Rainbolt documented the process of capturing the new imagery. Rainbolt, known for his expertise in the geography-based game GeoGuessr, was invited by Google to participate in the project.
For expert legal insight on the implications of Google Maps Street View, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Google Maps Street View offers undeniable convenience and business advantages, it also raises important legal considerations regarding privacy and data protection. In Costa Rica, individuals have a right to control the use of their image and property. Businesses inadvertently captured in Street View may have grounds to request blurring or removal if their inclusion negatively impacts their operations or reveals sensitive information. Navigating these issues requires careful consideration of existing laws and regulations pertaining to image rights and commercial use.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Cargando...
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights underscore a crucial point in our increasingly digital world: the balance between technological advancement and individual rights. The convenience of tools like Google Maps Street View must be weighed against the legitimate privacy concerns of individuals and businesses. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal perspective on a complex and evolving issue.
I helped Google Maps capture parts of Costa Rica that had never been on Street View before.
Rainbolt, GeoGuessr Influencer
Rainbolt described his first visit to Costa Rica as an exploration of the familiar yet unknown. The video, clocking in at just over six minutes, showcases the Google vehicle navigating diverse terrains, even crossing a river.
This is a monumental moment … What an incredible route.
Rainbolt, GeoGuessr Influencer
The video highlights the importance of Street View for small businesses, emphasizing the tool’s ability to give potential customers a preview of their offerings.
Street View is fundamental for small businesses. Being able to give anyone in the world access to look and have a new vision of what they are going to get, even before having to go there is very important.
Google Maps Video
Rainbolt described the experience as one of the most incredible coverage projects he’s been involved in.
This was a very special experience. I was the first to study Costa Rica before its launch, so I’m leaving more knowledgeable and grateful for all the people I met.
Rainbolt, GeoGuessr Influencer
Accessing the updated Street View is simple. On mobile devices, users can navigate to the desired location in Google Maps and tap the small image in the bottom left corner. On a computer, users can drag the “pegman” icon onto a blue-highlighted street to activate Street View. This expansion of Street View in Costa Rica provides a valuable resource for both local businesses and those looking to explore the country virtually.
This enhanced virtual exploration tool allows users worldwide to familiarize themselves with Costa Rican locales before visiting, offering a valuable resource for planning trips and supporting local businesses. The collaboration between Google Maps and Rainbolt demonstrates the potential of combining technology and influencer engagement to bring new perspectives to online mapping experiences.
For further information, visit google.com
About Google:
Google is a multinational technology company specializing in Internet-related services and products. These include online advertising technologies, search, cloud computing, software, and hardware. Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Rainbolt
About Rainbolt:
Rainbolt is a content creator and influencer known for his expertise in the geography-based game GeoGuessr. He collaborates with organizations like Google Maps to provide engaging content related to virtual exploration and mapping technologies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to serving the community. Through innovative legal solutions and a proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge, the firm empowers individuals and organizations across Costa Rica. Their dedication to fostering a more informed and just society is woven into the fabric of their practice, driving them to not just interpret the law, but to make its power accessible to all.
