See that strange-looking tricycle in Ann Arbor? Smile, it's the Google cam

By Kellie Woodhouse Higher education reporter

Posted on Thu, Aug 30, 2012 : 9:26 a.m.

A tricycle equipped with a Google 360-degree camera is roaming University of Michigan's campus

Photo courtesy of U-M

Have you seen a man riding a camera-laden tricycle around University of Michigan's campus?

Don't be alarmed, it's Google.

A Google tricycle is weaving through U-M's Ann Arbor campus to capture a 360-degree view of the area. The tricycle isn't just sticking to the streets either. It's also hitting U-M's walkways and plazas.

The images will be used to provide detailed views of U-M's campus for Google Earth users. When the tricycle's task is finished, prospective students may be able to get a feel of the expansive campus without ever stepping foot in Ann Arbor.

So, if you see a strange-looking tricycle outfitted with a large camera, smile, because you could be memorialized by the World Wide Web's most widely used search engine and map provider.

Tags: University of Michigan,