Google Applies for Landmark Picture Based Location Patent

[dgstorm]

Google has applied for a new patent that allows users to find their location by snapping a photo of a landmark. The user's picture is then submitted to Google's servers which will attempt to try and match the photo with an existing file in their database. If a match is found a location will be sent to the user's device. The new patent application might seem a bit impractical for devices currently on the market, mostly because GPS and Google Maps are available almost anywhere.

Furthermore, a service like this would probably require a data connection which could potentially limit its use. Still, it might fit nicely with some augmented reality glasses or maybe Google will just add it to their patent portfolio and leave it at that. Whatever Google's plans are, the application has yet to be approved.

Is there anything that you would like to see use technology like this? Let us know in the forums.

By eDogNights

Source: Engadget

 

[kodiak799]

In case you have a phone with no GPS? You get lost in a remote desert and maybe a picture of a mountain can pinpoint your location?

 

[geoff5093]

This is Google Goggles, and has been out for a while. It's not useful for finding your location, but if you want to learn more about something. For instance your are in NYC and take a picture of the empire state building or the statue of liberty, it will tell you what it's called (if you didn't know), and offers information about it.

 

[Scribble]

I could see it being useful for geo-tagging photos that don't already have a location attached, and as another level of location info. Cross reference GPS signal with barometer, wireless, and now photo data, and they can probably tell you the exact coordinate you're standing in.