All of the grumbling and disapproval of Apple’s new Maps application gives competing developers the perfect opportunity to shine. One major omission is the Street View feature, which is a part of Google Maps exclusively. Recently, Google released Street View onto their mobile browser edition of the application. We have learned that this was not only project Google has been working on to improve Maps – enter: Underwater Street View.

Perfect for viewing the deep-sea while keeping dry, Underwater Street View offers a completely new way to explore our oceans – something most people will never get the chance to do. Working in small teams, professional divers spent six months capturing thousands of images using underwater ‘scooters’. These images were later complied and stitched together, much like the Street View we are used to. The teams have so far mapped the Great Barrier Reef, two locations in Hawaii, and another in the Philippines. Of course, Google has plans to have many more locations added to the project.

The goal of this innovative new project is to add an interactive aspect to the education of undersea life. At the same time Google is trying to create a comprehensive map of the world’s oceans.

It’s hard to believe that the diving teams will be able to cover every area of the extensive oceans, but we can look forward to key locations around the world. Do you think this will become a valuable tool in the education of sea life? Leave your ideas in the comments below.