Article updated: 10/24/2012 9:05 AM

Google cameras map popular Grand Canyon trails

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Google operations manager Steve Silverman stands along the canyon wall wearing the Trekker during a demonstration along the Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. The search engine giant is using the nearly 40-pound, backpack-sized camera unit to showcase the Grand Canyon's most popular hiking trails on the South Rim and other off-road sites. It's about 4 feet in height when set on the ground, and when worn, the camera system extends 2 feet above the operator's shoulders.

Associated Press

A view from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

Associated Press

A mule team walks along the Bright Angel Trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

Associated Press

Google is using the Trekker, a nearly 40-pound, backpack-sized camera unit to showcase the Grand Canyon's most popular hiking trails on the South Rim and other off-road sites.

Associated Press

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The Trekker is about 4 feet in height when set on the ground, and when worn, the camera system extends 2 feet above the operator's shoulders.

Associated Press

Low-resolution images of photos gathered by the Trekker are displayed on an Android phone.

Associated Press

About this Article

Google and its street-view cameras already have taken users to narrow cobblestone alleys in Spain using a tricycle, inside the Smithsonian with a push cart and to British Columbia's snow-covered slopes by snowmobile. The search giant now has brought its all-seeing eyes — mounted for the first time on a backpack — down into the Grand Canyon.