Google Maps Street View

OK, who has checked out Google Maps new Street View feature? It is both very cool and a little freaky. It only works in certain cities. But in those cities you can click on a street in the Google map and see and actual street level photograph. From the photo view, you can totally navigate around. Brooklyn is covered so you can literally walk around my neighborhood. Here’s the building where we will be moving (the doors right in front of the bus).

My first question is where did they get all the photos? They were clearly taken early in the morning. There isn’t much traffic or people around. But every once in a while you do see a person. How weird would it be if you saw yourself? It’s a bit Big Brother.

My big question is, how do you keep this up to date? Is it just a gimmick or will people find important use for this?