Virtual Journey Through America’s Most Challenging Routes
The Trans America Trail, spanning over 5,900 miles, is now available for viewing in the Google Street View service. This route, previously accessible only to experienced off-road enthusiasts, can now be explored by anyone without leaving their couch.
Technological Equipment of the Expedition
To implement this ambitious project, Ford organized a special expedition of three vehicles that traversed the entire route over 32 days. The main role in the filming was played by the Bronco Badlands off-road vehicle with the Sasquatch package, which had a Google panoramic camera installed on its roof.
The goal was to avoid paved roads as much as possible and preserve the authenticity of the off-road experience
Route Complexity and Logistics
The expedition started on the Oregon coast and ended on the beaches of North Carolina, covering incredibly diverse landscapes—from the barren expanses of the Great Salt Lake Desert in Utah to the high-altitude serpentines of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado at over 11,700 feet.
Practical Value of the Project
The collected materials have not only a demonstrative character but also practical application. Now travelers can study the terrain conditions in advance, check seasonal features of the route, and plan their adventures with greater confidence.
Uniqueness of Collected Materials
The captured panoramas offer a unique opportunity to see little-known corners of American nature that are rarely found on tourist maps. Although a virtual journey cannot completely replace the real experience, it will become an excellent tool for those who dream of a transcontinental trip beyond paved roads.
This project opens new horizons for exploring remote territories, demonstrating how technology can make the most extreme adventures accessible to the general public. Hundreds of thousands of taken photos create an unprecedented digital archive that preserves unique landscapes for future generations, while inspiring new travelers to make their own discoveries.