Google is rolling out upgraded cars with upgraded camera rigs to capture Street View imagery.
The new camera rig will help capture photos that are clearer, higher in resolution, and more vivid in color. Like the old design, the rig will attach to a vehicle’s roof, but the smaller ball on top now features just seven cameras (down from 15) fitted with 20 megapixel sensors. The rig also plays host to two cameras that take still HD photos, and two LIDARs.
For comparision, here’s the evolution of the Google Street View cars:
(via)
Sidenote: Check out “Address is Approximate”. Even 6 years later this video still gives me goosebumps.