Google Maps launched a feature called Street View in the UK in early 2009, which allows users to see 360 degree photographs of places in Britain.

The service, which has been active in other countries since 2007, now covers 25 British cities, including London, Manchester and Edinburgh. It has caused controversy concerning privacy, however Street View censors any faces that may have been captured along with car registration plates.

The imagery available comprises video taken along 22,369 miles of UK streets by customised camera cars. Users can drag the 'Pegman' icon to their chosen location and then zoom in, turn around and seemingly walk the streets to have a have a good old look at the surrounding area.