Trekker: Google in Search of the Strong, Brave and Adventurous

Like to go where few have gone before? A new pilot program by Google is in search of those willing to go places cars won’t, extending the reach of Google Maps. You have to wear a Trekker, a backpack camera system with 15 lenses which offers 360-degree panoramic views.

And it isn’t light. This is where your weight training will come in handy. The Trekker is 40 lbs due to all the high-tech components and batteries.

Here’s a preview of the Trekker:

Last October, Google sent two Trekker teams to map the Grand Canyon, according to NPR.

Google says it’s looking for people affiliated with tourism boards, non-profits, government agencies, universities and research groups to borrow and wear Trekker on upcoming trips.

Google says it’ll also consider individuals, but judging from the questions it’s asking in the application, there’s a high bar to meet.

Here’s just one of the application’s questions:

Provide some detail about your proposed project, the location you want to share with the world via Street View, and why you think it’d be useful. Tell us what makes this place amazing, describe the type of imagery and any highlights you expect to capture, and let us know if your trip is already planned (if so, when?).

We’ll apply, probably among thousands of others, to wear Trekker on their next trip. But there’s a couple of things to consider before you do.

Unlike a cell phone, there is no filming discreetly with the Trekker. It’s huge and some parts of the world haven’t received it well, like Europe. Especially in the light of the NSA files, countries are especially paranoid about U.S. spying.

And some US businesses have already banned Google Glass, the wearable computing system. How are people (in the US and elsewhere) going to react when they see Trekker, which is much more noticeable?

Think you have what it takes? Apply HERE.