Whole city goes live on Google Street View

A virtual tour of the streets of the city can now be conducted throught the amazing new feature.

Internet map readers can now access a street view - complete with passing cars and pedestrians - of all of Londonderry after the internet giant rolled out its street view maps this morning.

Street View allows users to view and navigate 360 degree street-level imagery and online visitors to can now take a virtual walk around the Derry Walls, the Fountain, St Columb's Cathedral and the Waterside.

Stunning views of the city can be accessed from thoroughfares overlooking the Foyle Valley such as the Woodside, Glassagh and Groarty Roads.

Ed Parsons, Google's Geospatial Technologist said the maps gave internet users a unique online experience.

"Street View takes mapping to a level not possible before. And with so many practical applications it's no wonder that over two thirds of people who had tried the service said they would use Street View again.

"This new imagery of so many stunning places means it's the ideal time to start planning a trip, kick start a house-hunt or simply ensure you never arrive late to a meeting again," he said.

Belfast was one of the first cities to have its street-view map go live when the US internet giant launched the service on this side of the Atlantic in April of last year but users had to wait until January for the first pictures of Londonderry.

Today's launch sees the street view maps rolled out across the rest of the UK.

To use Google Street View visit www.maps.Google.co.uk