Recently Google launched an absolutely amazing Street View tour of all 286 miles of the Grand Canyon, captured from the very waters of the Colorado River. My knee-jerk assumption was that this was simply another victory in Google’s ultimate goal of mapping every inch of the world (in order to more easily conquer it, obviously), but the Grand Canyon was actually chosen for its ecological significance. Working in conjunction with environmental non-profit American Rivers, Google released this statement:

For over 6 million years, the Colorado River has carved out its place on Earth. It spans over 1,450 miles, beginning in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and ending the Gulf of California in Mexico. The Colorado River serves as a lifeline in the arid Western United States. It graces 7 states, 2 countries, and 9 national parks, nourishing the lives of 36 million people and endangered wildlife. Millions depend on the river for irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power. However, excessive water consumption and outdated management have endangered the Colorado River.

Over at Harper’s, writer and former Grand Canyon cartographer Jeremy Miller notes the extraordinary technology and scope of the project, and though he admits it can’t compare with a visit to the actual Grand Canyon, it’s baffling that such an impressive and advanced resource could be completed in just eight days. Silicon Valley has a notable habit of eschewing paying their taxes (or even more basic philanthropy) in favor of very conspicuous, tech-oriented social experiments—I’m unsure of how much Grand Canyon Street View will support conservation efforts, and I’m not convinced that a fat check wouldn’t do more to save the Colorado (it’s unclear if Google has donated). Regardless, the map is cool as hell, a worthy project in its own right, and I highly suggest you check it out.
 

 
Via Harper’s