Google Maps has always aimed to help internet users explore the most remote places on Earth using Trekker cameras, often mounted on cars or boats. But for the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi, the 360° vision camera was, for the first time, carried by an animal: Raffi the camel.
This unique initiative shows Google’s commitment to reaching every corner of the planet, even the most inaccessible.
Google Maps and Google Street View
Google Street View offers a virtual representation of our surroundings within Google Maps, featuring millions of panoramic images. Since its launch in 2007, Street View has allowed people to explore cities, landmarks, and now, deserts, from anywhere in the world.
Google’s mission is to provide immersive imagery and virtual navigation not only in easily accessible places but also in unique environments where you can experience the diversity and beauty of our planet.
“We always adapt our image capture methods to each location. In Liwa, we decided to place the Trekker camera on a camel to capture the most authentic images possible, without harming the environment.”
The Street View Trekker Backpacks
The Google Street View Trekker backpack is a special device designed to capture images in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Weighing around 20 kg, it features a camera system that records a full 360-degree panoramic view of its surroundings.
Before using camels, Google relied on hikers carrying the Trekker backpack to access places where cars couldn’t go.
Raffi, the Google Camel
For the Liwa Desert project, Google faced particularly difficult terrain. The solution? Raffi, a 10-year-old camel, carried the Trekker on his back, filming breathtaking views of Liwa’s golden dunes.
From Raffi’s perspective, users can travel through the desert much like the ancient merchants who crossed these sands over 3,000 years ago.
Liwa’s dunes vary between 25 and 40 meters in height, with some reaching up to 131 meters. Riding on a camel provided not only the perfect height for capturing panoramic images but also the most eco-friendly and authentic method for exploring the desert.
Why This Project Is Unique
This Google project highlights a blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional desert travel. By using a camel, Google avoided damaging the environment and created an immersive Street View experience unlike any other.
Now, anyone can virtually explore the Liwa Desert and feel as if they are riding alongside caravans from centuries past—all thanks to Raffi, the camel that works for Google.
