Google Trike in Singapore

By now, some of you should have known that the Google Trike is now in Singapore. Google Trike are tricycle with mounted camera to capture image for Google Street view. Although slower than the Street View van (which was spotted in Singapore last year), it can go places where the van can’t access.

I was fortunate to meet the folks from Google and the Google Trike few days ago at Clarke Quay. It is a impressive looking tricycle many camera mounted on top. The whole system is powered by a power generator which is next to a box that houses the computer. There is a small display mounted on the handlebar for the rider to monitor the status. Looks cool huh?

Google is looking for suggestions on places for Google Trike to visit. There are 5 categories which the public can submit their ideas: The City, Cultural Areas, Natural Wonders, The River & Quays and Hidden Gems. Google will be accepting suggestion until 12th October and work with Singapore Tourism Board to choose the most original ideas from each category. The public will then be able to cast their final votes and choose the top locations.

In the mean time, this guy will be going around some of the places to take photos for Google Street View. This is like one of the geekiest job around. Imagine riding the Google Trike around Singapore and having lots of people taking photo of you. But its not going to be an easy job. He will need to cycle this heavy tricycle under the hot sun. From what I understand, they can only go out and take photos during sunny day between 11am to 2pm. That’s when you get the best pictures, and also the worst sunburnt.

I tried cycling the Google Trike for a while. Its tough to control because the left side is heavier. You need to make extra effort to keep the Google Trike straight. And I think its going to be tough to cycle up slope. This is not an easy job.

Still no news on when Google Street View for Singapore will be ready.