

Have you ever imagined what it's like to stand atop one of Michigan's most recognizable structures, the Mackinac Bridge? Now, using Google Maps Street View, you can from the comfort of your own living room!



We've partnered with Google to make many of Michigan’s most iconic destinations accessible to the more than one billion people all around the world who use Google Maps each month. Using Google Trekker technology, attractions such as the Mackinac Bridge – not previously accessible on Google Street View – now have 360 degree, fully navigable imagery that will allow potential travelers to explore these destinations.







What did you think? As you search for the words to describe this breathtaking virtual experience, here's a behind-the-scenes look into how it all came together.



The Street View Trekker is a backpack system with a camera on top that is worn by an operator who walks through pedestrian walkways or trails on foot. The imagery is captured automatically and stitched together to create the 360 degree panorama seen on Google Maps. More than 44,000 panoramic photos were taken in this process!



There are 15 lenses at the top of the mast, each pointed in a different direction that enabled us to create a 360-degree panoramic view. As the operator walks, photos are taken every 2.5 seconds.



Take a look at other famous Michigan destinations like Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and more, to scope out your next trip or just for fun!