Public Notice: Bing Maps brings street level imagery to Vancouver and Whistler
Posted
Nov 16 2009, 09:58 AM
by
Microsoft Canada Co.
Public Notice
Microsoft is helping bring the world to Vancouver and Whistler! To celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Microsoft and Bing Maps have chosen Vancouver and Whistler as the first Canadian communities to be profiled with our new street-level imagery technology.
By collecting street level images in metropolitan Vancouver and Whistler, including the areas near Olympic venues, and making them available on bing.ca, Microsoft will help celebrate what you already cherish about your communities - their natural beauty, cultural diversity and the remarkable facilities that have been built for the Olympics.
While Microsoft wants to help the world discover British Columbia's many charms, we also respect your privacy. Microsoft has built extensive privacy protection features into our technology and we'll always be here to listen if you have any questions or concerns.
Microsoft will be shooting street level imagery in areas surrounding Olympic venues between November 19 and December 19, 2009.
For more information, please read these Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is street level imagery?
A: Street level imagery enables map users to experience Bing Maps from street level. Street level imagery will supplement maps, directions and local search. Imagery is collected using a 360 degree camera typically mounted on a car or SUV.
Q. When does this launch?
A: We don't have specific details to share regarding availability but will share more when we do.
Q. Where will imagery be collected?
A: Microsoft will begin collecting street level images on public roads, primarily in commercial areas in Canada near venues associated with the 2010 Winter Olympic Games including the Vancouver and Whistler area.
Q: Where specifically will vehicles drive to collect imagery in Canada?
A: An initial pilot will include commercial areas and Olympic venues in the Vancouver and Whistler areas.
Q. What classes of roads will we drive in Canada?
A: We only drive public roads and we intend to drive non-residential streets only, with our initial focus on streets with businesses and points of public interest. At times, due to a connecting road or traffic, we may drive residential areas as well.
Q. How and when will images be created in Canada?
A: The images will be created using cameras placed on marked cars that will travel through the above-noted areas in the late November to early December timeframe.
Q: What kind of notice will be on the vehicle?
A: The vehicles will be clearly marked with Microsoft or Bing Maps logos.
Q: When will imagery be collected?
A: We've been collecting imagery in metropolitan areas of the United States for the past year or longer, depending on location.
Q: How long will street level images be retained?
A: We keep original imagery captured in Canada for up to one year after publication to www.bing.com/maps in order to assist with continued development of street level imagery technology and privacy algorithms.
Q. In what ways is street level imagery different from competitive offerings such as Google's Street View?
A: The user interfaces differ, but from an imagery standpoint, they are very similar.
Q: Doesn't Street level imagery violate the privacy of individuals?
A: As with all Microsoft technology, street level imagery and Bing maps were designed with security and privacy concerns in mind. We have reviewed Canadian privacy rules and regulations to ensure that our street level imagery activities comply with applicable laws governing the acquisition and publishing of imagery. We are also (have) reaching (reached) out proactively to the Canadian privacy community to inform them about this project and our approach.
Q: What do we blur?
A: We use industry-leading automated software and advanced algorithms to detect and blur faces and license plates. The automated software and advanced algorithms are based on years of Microsoft Research investments in computer vision techniques.
Q: How accurate is the blurring?
A: Our internal tests have shown that our privacy algorithms and detection rate are consistent with the success rate in the industry. As with all automated approaches, there is a chance that some images may come through that should have been blurred. In those instances, we allow people to identify and report to us any published images that may be of concern to them.
Q: What happens if someone requests an image be removed?
A: We have individuals that review every request. Depending on the content of the imagery we may remove it entirely, blur a portion of it or take no action if no identifying features remain visible.
Q: What takedown requests will we honor?
A: We accept requests to blur or remove images of faces or persons, homes, cars, acts of violence, nudity and unlawful material.
Q: How long will it take to respond to a request to remove or blur an image?
A: Depending on the nature of the reported image in concern, the reaction time may vary from 30 to 60 days.
Q: Google has taken a lot of criticism from privacy advocates for Street View. What do you plan to do differently?
A: We are working with privacy advocates in Canada to ensure residents are aware of our plans to capture and share street level imagery.
Q: Will you notify communities that you will be filming in their neighborhoods? Will camera cars be clearly marked?
A: Microsoft will provide broad notification of filming locations and dates through local newspapers. Camera cars will be clearly marked with the Microsoft or Bing Maps logos.
Q: Can home and business owners request that images of their home or business be removed?
A: We accept requests to blur or remove images of faces or persons, homes, cars, acts of violence, nudity and unlawful material. These requests will be determined on a case-by-case.
Q: Where will the images be posted?
A: The images will be made available as part of Microsoft's online mapping service at www.bing.com.
Q: Any plans to drive in other Canadian communities?
A: We have no additional plans to share regarding capturing street level imagery in other Canadian communities at this time. We will be sure to communicate out further plans in a similar manner when we're able.
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