Community Corner

Spotted: Google Street View Car in Newtown Square

Where have you seen it?

Recall the movie Gladiator when Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russel Crowe, said, "What we do in life echoes in eternity." 

Our actions over the next few weeks might similarly echo through the years. 

The Google Street View car—which collects street-level photos used by Google Maps and other applications—has been spotted in the Malvern area recently. 

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Not every photo subject is ready for the camera. As one local Facebook user said, "Oh Great! I certainly hope it didn't go past my house when I had stuff all over the driveway and front porch. LOL!"

What does the car look like?

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It appears to be a Subaru Impreza, painted in the Google brand colors, mostly green and white. A red, omnidirectional camera stands about five feet above the roof. The car bears California tags.

Is there someone behind the wheel?

Yes. Google has experimented with driverless cars, and it's difficult to make out an operator in the photos above, leaving us to wonder if anyone was actually in the vehicle. We got our answer from Malvern Police Officer Pat Dougherty, who saw the car on Lancaster Avenue, and reported that it does have a driver.

Where will it go next?

It might be working from east to west, judging by recent sightings in Willistown, Malvern Borough and Newtown Township.

The Street View website has a "Where our cars are currently driving" section, but it appears to be out of order.

So, we can't know for sure when it might pass by, snapping pictures. As long as we don't do anything embarassing, there's no need to lose our heads about it.

Have you seen the Google Car in your neighborhood? Upload photos or tell us in the comments.


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