Google starts mapping Israeli streets

Google formally launched its virtual street view program in Israel with Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa scheduled to become the first cities to be mapped out using the new technology. Now specially designed cameras mounted on cars and tricycles will patrol every street from Eilat in the South to Metulla in the north mapping out every street and side road allowing the world a 360 degree view of Israel's streets. Efforts will be made to map holy sites, archeological sites, and historical sites in the country. The program was launched in May 2007 and is available in 30 countries. Some countries request strategic and military sites remain blurred.