If you’d ever noticed that Google’s Street View feature is completely blacked out in the northern part of River Oaks and just presumed that your inability to see online images of all those fancy houses in Tall Timbers had something to do with their residents’ wealth, access to lawyers, or private security services, your presumption is wrong — or so says the Chronicle‘s Dwight Silverman, after a Google spokesperson sets him straight. Apparently the River Oaks gap in the Street View map is “just an oversight” on Google’s part:
I asked Google spokesperson Deanna Yick about this, and after checking in with the Street View team, she said this part of River Oaks simply hasn’t been imaged yet. She said Google eventually plans to fill in all the gaps in Street View “as soon as possible”.
She also said Google’s Street View cars will take pictures on any public street, and whole neighborhoods or communities can’t opt out of the process. However, individuals “can ask for images of their house, car or themselves to be removed from Street View,” she said.
Swamplot first noted the Street View black hole north of San Felipe and west of Kirby in 2008. Since then, Google has added a loop of coverage on Willowick and Inwood. But to see street-level images of the rest of that area, you’ll need to drive, pedal, or walk through the neighborhood on your own.
- River Oaks is a black hole on Google Street View [TechBlog]
- Google Maps coverage [Swamplot]
Come on everybody! Where are the people saying that Google is elitist because they won’t show that portion of River Oaks?
It’s not like you can see much of many of those houses. Those folks figured out a long time ago that the best route to privacy is a big lot with a tall hedge around it.
Sally,
After all, River Oaks IS elitist. Heights not. Some IN the Heights might be wannabes.
Or Google took a payoff?
Around the holidays that area is my favorite place to drive around and look at Christmas lights. I’ll jump in the car with my husband and a couple cups of cocoa and drive up through West U and into Upper Kirby/River Oaks. It’s nice.
Sally,
In this case I do not believe it is correct to label Google as “elitistâ€. Rather, Google is the running lackey dog for the haute bourgeoisie(River Oaks residents) who continue to oppress the proletariat(Google viewers).
Oh, I forgot to add…. Down with the Oppressors!!!
Outside of a lawsuit or the direct request of a homeowner, Google will get these streets.
Google got all the streets south of Memorial just west of the Loop. Those homeowners are much more powerful than the River Oaks crowd. The last horrible mayor (Bill White) lived there.
Also, something bothering me. Elitist has absolutely nothing to do with wealth. They often go hand in hand but money isn’t required. Elitist is a state of mind and attitude and I see many middle income people with big elitist attitudes.
For once I agree with google that they possibly haven’t gotten to those streets. I live in Cottage Grove, east of TC Jester and north of I-10… only Darling St. is imaged. The rest is missing. I’m not sure my neighborhood qualifies as elitist or anywhere close to that.
From kjb434:
Also, something bothering me. Elitist has absolutely nothing to do with wealth. They often go hand in hand but money isn’t required. Elitist is a state of mind and attitude and I see many middle income people with big elitist attitudes.
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Actually, “elite” has much to do with a small number of people having something everyone else doesn’t (power, money, fame, esteem, etc.). I may have “elitist” attitudes, but I can’t exactly enforce them. Rich folk, on the other hand, are actual “elites”–have been since rich and poor began back in ancient Sumeria. That’s why I always find it amusing when very rich persons try to project a public image of being “just plain folks.” Let’s face it–the rich may be citizens just like everyone else, but they get their roads fixed first, and their 9-11 calls are answered fastest. Twas ever thus!
I have a hard time believing this. I remember being able to use street view in this area soon after it came out.
Outside of a lawsuit or the direct request of a homeowner, Google will get these streets.
Google got all the streets south of Memorial just west of the Loop. Those homeowners are much more powerful than the River Oaks crowd. The last horrible mayor (Bill White) lived there.
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The ability of some people to leave the point faaaaaar behind in pursuit of a petty attempt to flog a dead horse will never, ever cease to amaze. You don’t like the mayor, vote for someone else. Until then accept the decision of the majority. Now, let’s get back to the point…
sidegate,
Mayor White showed a complete lack of competence while being mayor. Ms. Parker is doing a much better job and she’s not even a year into her first term.
Look on HAR.com to your heart’s content. Every street is there, pick a house that’s listed and then zoom to anywhere you lik- no problem. Don’t get what the deal is with Google.
Have fun looking.