Google has today launched its StreetView map application for Amsterdam, Netherlands. This tool allows people to view a 360 degree moveable image taken from street level. Images were taken by a special camera mounted on a car and driven down every street in the city.

There has been a debate about privacy issues and that will probably continue. It seems faces of pedestrians, cyclists and number plates of cars have been blurred out.

This could be useful from a tourist perspective if you want to find out more about specific locations and areas in the city – for example what’s near your hotel, having a look at monuments etc. Make up your own mind…

Here is Google Streetview of Dam Square - use your mouse to rotate or click the arrows to move down the street:

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