If you spotted a black Google car with a camera atop a pole on the vehicles roof a while ago, chances are you are on Google Streetview by now! London was added to the new system which allows users to stroll around the streets of London from the comfort of their home.

Although the new system from Google has been subject to various privacy and security debates, the system does offer an astounding amount of information which would have been thought impossible a couple of years ago. Streeview indicates how rapidly the field of digital photography and internet speeds have developed in recent years.

The new system also benefits a great number of industries and kinds of people.
For example imagine you were moving to a new town or place you could scout out the local area on Streetview and figure out where the local shops and amenities were before even leaving your chair.

In terms of tourism Streetview could also help to recon a visit before you get there. You are now able to have snoop around London before you leave and plan out what sites you want to see and how to get there from the nearest tube station.
Also I think Streetview will result in a rise of the internet tourist, namely people who aren’t able to visit London due to financial reasons (flights do cost a lot) or maybe people who want to see the sights without creating a massive carbon footprint.

In terms of industries I think estate agents and people renting property will see a increased level of knowledge from clients. As a result of people checking out the local areas of properties before attending viewings. This allows you to get a feel for where you could be living an initial idea of what the flat might be like in terms of exterior aesthetics.

Finally Streetview can be used to plan journeys or check out motorway options when arranging a long distance journey in the car to London. Also you could check out local parking facilities before you arrive and mind map where you plan to park when you reach your destination.

I have spent a couple of hours scouting Streetview with the hopes of identifying the best London spots on the system. I think the fifteen listed items really indicate that although some sights look good on Streetview all are much better when viewed in person. I am sure there are hundreds of London spots that have been captured well but my current favourites include the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Streetview gives you a good idea of the feel of a busy day in London allows you gain an insight into how sight locations relate to each other.

• London Eye

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• Big Ben

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• Camden Market

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• Number 10 Downing Street

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• Trafalgar Square

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• Leicester Square

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• Tower of London

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• Westminster Abbey

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• Covent Garden

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• Tottenham Court Road

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• Oxford Circus

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• Piccadilly Circus

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• Baker Street

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• Marble Arch

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• Carnaby Street

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I hope you like the spots I found and if you find any of your own worth including drop me an email or send me a comment and I will update the list…