The service's front end utilizes JavaScript, XML, and Ajax. After additional acquisitions of a geospatial data visualization company and a real-time traffic analyzer, Google Maps was launched in February 2005. In October 2004, the company was acquired by Google, which converted it into a web application.

Google Maps began as a C++ desktop program developed by brothers Lars and Jens Rasmussen at Where 2 Technologies. As of 2020, Google Maps was being used by over 1 billion people every month around the world. It offers satellite imagery, aerial photography, street maps, 360° interactive panoramic views of streets ( Street View), real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for traveling by foot, car, bike, air (in beta) and public transportation. Google Maps is a web mapping platform and consumer application offered by Google. This directory includes a link to your website and listing of a contact phone number.C++ (back-end), JavaScript, XML, Ajax (UI) When your work is utilized, your clients’ SEO ranking might also receive a boost upwards in local searches your tours are hosted by Google free of charge, and thereby becoming reliable and hassle-free your placement upon Googles ‘Photographers for Hire’ directory of trusted street view photographers will also raise your profile and ability to get work.

Once becoming a trusted photographer, one has a competitive advantage against other panoramic photographers in the area.

These interactive images may be internal or external shots depending on the client and if a business that operates from inside a building via the business ‘see inside’ button on Google Street View. This includes but is not limited to Google Maps, Street View, Google Earth, Google My Business and of course, Google Search. A trusted photographer has the ability to upload their work directly to various platforms Google has created that display photospheres and virtual tours for public consumption by all the users on that platform and on any screen that can display them.

Google earth 360 street view