Take a virtual walk down your street with new Google feature

By Greg Gaudio

Tired of the sauna-like heat? Let your fingers do the walking. Google this week launched its Street View map feature for Hampton Roads. It allows users to explore eye-level vistas, as if they were strolling the streets.

How to use it

Go to maps.google.com. Type an address into the search bar and click "Search Maps." In the address bubble that appears, click "Street View." Use the straight arrow buttons to navigate up and down the street. Use the curved arrow buttons to change your viewpoint, up to 360 degrees. You can even zoom in.

What you'll see

Expect r ich detail, but less than 100 percent accuracy. Searching an address will likely land you on the right block, but you might have to explore a bit to reach an exact destination.

What you won't see

Not all local areas have been photographed. Faces and license plates have been deliberately blurred. Military locations aren't included because Google takes photographs only from public roads, Google spokeswoman Elaine Filadelfo said. The photos are generally a couple of months to a year old when the service is launched, she said.

How did they do that?

Pictures for Street View are taken from cars specially equipped with roof-mounted cameras and GPS.