A CONTROVERSIAL new digital map has been launched that offers to show off towns like Ashbourne with a level of detail that has never been seen before.
Internet giant Google updated its high-tech “Street View” concept on Thursday to cover 96 per cent of the country — and hardly an inch of Ashbourne has been left in the dark.
The new system enhances Google’s ariel map of the country by enabling internet users to drop down to street level and peruse a true 360 degree view of almost any road, cul-de-sac or high street in England.
Ashbourne’s pictures were taken by Google’s high-tech camera car in the summer, mostly on a sunny Thursday morning as the market bustled and tourists and shoppers sat outside the town’s many cafes and pubs.
At its launch last year, when the service covered just a handful of major UK cities, there was outrage from home and business owners worried about the security risks but, at the same time, the free service won praise for its potential benefits to the tourism industry.
But what do people in the town think? The Ashbourne Partnership’s co-ordinator Sarah Wolfe said she welcomes the new technology. She said: “I think from a tourism aspect it’s fantastic.
“Obviously our new map will be ideal to tell people what to see when they actually get here, but Street View will allow them to see everything before they come and help people plan their day.
“It will help us to promote Ashbourne and show people what fantastic things we have on offer so I do think it’s a bonus for the town.”
Sir Richard FitzHerbert, owner of the Tissington estate — which is featured on a busy summer’s day — says he can see the benefits to the system.
Sir Richard, who sits on the Derbyshire Tourism Board and chairs the Regional Attractions Forum, said: “My initial thoughts are that it’s here, it’s going to stay, so let’s use it and embrace it.
“Personally I want more locals and non locals to see what Tissington is all about so I certainly welcome it. I think it’s great that they came here on a nice sunny day as it casts the village in a nice light.
“I think the benefit to us will be seen more in our younger visitors, which perhaps isn’t my main market but maybe this will help some of the older generations start using the internet and I hope they use it to see more of Tissington.
“I must add that this does highlight the problems with poor broadband coverage in rural areas, and the importance of pushing for improvements. Something we will continue to push for.”
To see the remarkable new map in action, visit maps.google.com. If you notice a problem with your area there is a link on screen to report it and we would love to hear your views
