Nostalgia Unleashed: Discovering the Past with Google Street View
While some TikTok trends can be misleading, risky, or simply absurd, there are instances where they genuinely provide value or entertainment. A recent trend gaining traction involves using Google Street View to revisit old homes, offering a delightful way to see how places have transformed over time. Although this functionality has existed for some time, it’s refreshing to see more individuals tapping into this nostalgic experience (just ensure you avoid sharing your personal address online).
This trend emerges from a lesser-known feature that allows users to explore historical images. Think of it as a type of time capsule for locations. Some users may wish to view neighborhoods from their childhood that no longer exist, while others might utilize this feature to witness the seasonal evolution of their area or observe how iconic landmarks have changed over the years.
Exploring Historical Images on Google Street View
Since its introduction in 2014, Google Street View has allowed users to ‘time travel’ through imagery, and as this feature sees a resurgence in popularity, revisiting it is timely. While it works optimally on desktop, it is also accessible via the Google Maps mobile application.
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Visit Google Maps and enter any address compatible with Street View.
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Locate and click (or tap) the Street View icon at the bottom of the interface (represented by a small thumbnail of the current view).
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On a desktop, look to the top-left corner of the Street View window to find a widget displaying the current address and date. Click on the See more dates link. For mobile users, switch to full-screen mode and tap the image to access the See more dates link.
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This action will display a panel at the bottom of the page. Scroll through the available historical dates and choose a specific photo to see more.
Remarkably, some locations have images that date back to the late 2000s, offering a clear view of their progression. This feature has been utilized to witness seasonal changes at the Golden Gate Bridge, observing how it sometimes gets enveloped in mist. The capability to explore places like the World Cup stadium in Brazil or Apple Park brings time travel to an accessible level—no TARDIS required!
