Thursday, August 16, 2007

Photo-Auto Maps (1907)

Lauren Weinstein, who previously posted his thoughts on Google Maps Street View, writes:

While watching a program over on History International earlier today, I was reminded that a form of Google Maps “Street View” was available in ... 1907 – a full century ago! Well, something that makes me think of the similarities anyway.

Back when the automobile was a relatively new consumer product, and conventional road maps were yet to be developed, Rand McNally published what were called Photo-Auto Maps, showing photos of streets and landmarks, with arrows pointing you to the correct path leading toward your destination.

Here is an example!



Just the tiniest bit eerie, eh?

[Thanks Lauren!]

Photo-Auto Maps (1907) by Philipp Lenssen | Comments (10)

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