Google Maps, A web based mapping service which displays street level GPS maps and routing services has become invaluable in making travel easier.

Quick Facts:

Type: Private

Fleet Size: Unspecified, fleet deployed worldwide

Routes: Global

Manufacturer and Powerplant: Google utilizes the most practical size and type of vehicles for each type of area being mapped. Smaller hatchbacks are used to map Urban and Suburban developments, SUVs are used to map rural and unmarked paths. Google's fleet is composed of the available manufacturers in a specified area. Google uses the Subaru Impreza Hatchback in most city mapping operations. The equally sized Opel Astra is used in Europe. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Captiva are commonly used SUV's in Google's Fleet.

Fare Collection: Not Applicable

Livery: Google Maps vehicle fleet is decorated with the website interface used when entering and viewing data on Google Maps.

Innovations: Google uses a 15 lens roof mounted camera to record the street view offered in its Google Maps application. The technology has proven successful and the data collected and used in Google Maps has been extremely helpful for street level navigation. A group of as many as 20 cars are shipped to Google's nearest office and then deployed individually to map every street. Privacy has become a major concern. People who come in contact with the vehicle during recording do appear on Google Maps. To address these concerns, Google has enabled Facial Blurring and License Plate Censoring elements to search results. A formal request to be removed from Google Maps can be submitted and Google will remove you, your house or car from search results. Google Maps recording expeditions occur once every 2-3 Years to keep results current. New roads and developments are priority to include them in future search results and map requests.

Driving Dynamics: Google Maps fleet attracts attention both welcome and undesirable. Google Maps drivers have been stopped by police in areas with legislation to remain "off grid". Others deem the camera assembly a danger to public safety. Google Maps cars have been involved in "not at fault" accidents due to drivers distracted by the vehicles roof mounted camera equipment and livery.