Oman expands 'Google Street View' coverage

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), in cooperation with the National Survey and Geospatial Information Authority and Google, launched the second phase of the Google Street View project, enabling users inside and outside the Sultanate of Oman to explore natural landscapes, historical landmarks and modern infrastructure through 360-degree panoramic images via Google Maps.

The new phase expands coverage to various governorates of the Sultanate, incorporating routes and landmarks that were not included in the first phase.

As part of plans to extend imaging operations during 2025, the targeted coverage distance for this phase reaches 27,000 kilometres. Images were captured using specialised “trekkers” developed by Google.

The project is expected to enhance Oman’s digital presence and visibility on global platforms by integrating its locations into interactive geospatial services. This will allow international users to explore Omani sites remotely through tourism and educational applications that rely on Street View imagery, supporting tourism promotion, digital innovation and wider use of geospatial data.

The launch reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to supporting innovation, enhancing digital accessibility and consolidating its position as a tourism destination rich in cultural and natural diversity. Users can view the images via the Google Maps application by activating the “Street View” option within the display settings.

The first phase of the project covered selected sites, including Khor Rori, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with coverage reaching around 36,000 kilometres. With the completion of the second phase, total coverage now stands at approximately 63,000 kilometres. A third phase is scheduled for 2026 to update and review previously covered routes and provide refreshed imagery reflecting Oman’s diverse terrain.