When people think of the uses for Google's 360-degree mapping and imaging service "Google Maps Street View" they usually think of seeing a friend's house from the street, checking out world landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or being able to see what a house looks like so you don't accidentally drive by it on the way to a party. What people usually don't consider is its ability to bring users into the wizarding world.
Although it's unusual, this is the latest glimpse Google is giving its users on Street View. Users can now explore the set of Diagon Alley from Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London. In the Street View mode, people can get a 360-degree look at all of the iconic shops from the famous "Harry Potter" film and book series. Users can turn the camera angle to see Olivander's Wand Shop, Weasley's Wizard Wheezers joke shop and Mr. Mulpepper's Apothecary as though they were standing in front of each mystical shop in real life.
J.K. Rowling's legendary seven book series came to life throughout eight movies over the past decade. The Diagon Alley set took more than three months to build and six months to create over 20,000 products to put on the shop's shelves. Since the movies, the spot has become a tourist attraction for fans of the series to come and immerse themselves in the wizarding world. However, thanks to Google Street View, people can experience the magic and wonder of Diagon Alley without springing for the price tag for a plane ticket to London England.
This isn't the first time Google Street View has offered a look at the inside of a building. Endgadget reports Thomas Jefferson's Monticello residence is open for digital visitors as well. However, showing people the inside of a movie set is something new and, for every Harry Potter fan out there, worth the ten minutes or so that it will take to explore the studio.
