Google’s Maps Street View service Pilots Indoor Photos

An Australian chocolate shop is one of the first retailers to sign up to the service

Google has started a pilot project allowing the public to look inside shops and other businesses found on its maps.

The feature is an extension of the firm’s Street View technology, which already lets users view 360-degree exterior images.

Google said the new scheme was completely on a volunteer basis. “We hope to enable businesses to highlight the qualities that make their locations stand out through professional, high-quality imagery,” said a company spokesman.

Initially the roll-out is limited to select locations including London, Paris and a number of cities in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the US.

The US company said it was beginning the process by inviting the most searched types of businesses to request a visit by its photographers. (BG)