Google Street View updates on no fixed schedule — some streets get new imagery every few years, others go a decade or longer without a refresh

Google does not publish a calendar of when Street View will photograph your street. The company updates imagery in waves, typically covering major cities and highways first, then expanding to smaller towns and rural areas. A street photographed in 2015 might not be updated again until 2023 or later, while a busy downtown block might see new images every two to three years.

The frequency depends on how much has changed in an area, how many people use Street View there, and Google's resources that quarter. A major highway reconstruction or a downtown that attracts tourists will move up the queue. A quiet residential street in a town of 5,000 people will wait longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Street View has no published update schedule; some areas update every two to three years while others wait five to ten years or more.
  • Major cities and highways are photographed more frequently than rural areas and small towns.
  • You can see when an image was taken by looking at the date stamp in the bottom left corner of Street View.
  • Google occasionally re-photographs the same street multiple times in a single year if significant changes have occurred.
  • Submitting a report through Google Maps about outdated imagery does not may provide a faster update.

How to check when your street was last photographed

Open Google Maps, switch to Street View by clicking the Pegman icon, and navigate to your address. Look at the bottom left corner of the screen — you will see a date that says when that image was captured. This date is the most reliable way to know how current the imagery is.

The date format varies by region but typically shows the month and year. If you see "January 2021" and today is 2024, that image is three years old. If you see "September 2023," the photograph is recent. Some very rural areas may show dates from 2010 or earlier, meaning Google has not returned to photograph that location since then.

Why some areas update faster than others

Google prioritizes areas where Street View gets heavy use and where changes happen frequently. Downtown districts, tourist attractions, and major commercial corridors are photographed more often because millions of people view them. A restaurant owner checking their storefront, a real estate agent showing properties, or a visitor planning a trip all drive demand for current imagery in those spots.

Rural roads, quiet neighborhoods, and small towns receive less frequent updates because fewer people use Street View there. Google also considers whether significant changes have occurred — a new highway, a major construction project, or a natural disaster might trigger a re-photograph sooner than normal. A street where nothing has visibly changed in five years will wait longer than one that has been rebuilt.

The difference between the car camera and the trekker

Google uses two main tools to capture Street View imagery. The Street View car, equipped with cameras on the roof, drives along roads and highways to photograph streets. This is how most imagery gets captured. The Trekker, a backpack-mounted camera system, is used for places cars cannot go — hiking trails, national parks, inside museums, and narrow alleyways in dense cities.

The car covers ground much faster and reaches more locations, so most updates come from the car fleet. The Trekker is deployed selectively for special projects or partnerships with institutions. If you live on a road the Street View car regularly drives, you will see updates more often. If your location is only accessible by foot or requires special permission, updates may be rare or nonexistent.

What to do if Street View imagery is outdated or inaccurate

You can report outdated or incorrect imagery through Google Maps. Click the "Send feedback" button (usually a speech bubble icon) while viewing Street View, then select "Report a problem." Describe what is wrong — for example, "This image is from 2018 and the storefront has been completely rebuilt" or "The street sign is obscured and unreadable."

Google reviews these reports, but there is no timeline for action. Submitting feedback does not may provide your street will be re-photographed soon. Google uses these reports as one input among many when deciding where to send the Street View car next, but the company does not commit to specific update dates. If the issue is critical for your business or property, contact Google directly through their business support channels rather than relying on the feedback form alone.

Street View coverage gaps and why some places are missing

Not every street has Street View imagery. Some countries and regions have restrictions on photography for privacy or security reasons. Parts of China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern countries have limited or no Street View coverage. Within the United States and Europe, coverage is nearly complete on public roads, but private roads, gated communities, and some rural areas may not be photographed.

If a street is missing from Street View entirely, it is usually because Google has not received permission to photograph it, the road is private, or the area has legal restrictions on street-level photography. Requesting coverage for a missing street is possible through Google's feedback system, but approval depends on local laws and Google's assessment of demand.

How Google decides which streets to photograph next

Google does not publish its prioritization criteria, but the company has stated that it considers user demand, the age of existing imagery, and the likelihood of significant changes in an area. A street that has not been photographed in eight years is a candidate for an update. A downtown district where businesses open and close frequently will be revisited sooner than a stable residential neighborhood.

Google also partners with local governments and tourism boards to photograph specific regions. A city that wants to promote itself as a tourist destination might fund a Street View update. A county dealing with a major infrastructure project might request re-photography to document the change. These partnerships can accelerate updates in specific areas, but they are not available everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request that Google Street View photograph my street?

You can submit feedback through Google Maps suggesting that an area be photographed or re-photographed, but there is no formal request process. Google reviews feedback as one factor in deciding where to send the Street View car, but the company does not commit to timelines or may provide that your request will result in an update.

How long does it take for new Street View images to appear after Google photographs a street?

Processing typically takes several months. Google photographs a street, processes the images, stitches them together, and checks for privacy issues (like blurring faces and license plates) before publishing. Most updates appear within three to six months of the photograph being taken, though some may take longer.

Does Street View update more frequently in cities than in rural areas?

Yes. Major cities and urban areas are typically photographed every two to four years, while rural areas and small towns may wait five to ten years or longer between updates. Google prioritizes areas with higher usage and more frequent changes.

Why is the Street View image of my house from before I moved in?

Google photographs on a schedule independent of property ownership or occupancy. If your house was photographed before you bought it, Google will not re-photograph it until the Street View car returns to your street as part of its regular update cycle. This can take several years.

Can I blur my house or face on Street View?

Yes. Google allows you to report your address or face for blurring through the feedback system in Street View. Click "Send feedback," select "Report a problem," and request that your property or face be blurred. Google reviews these requests, though processing can take weeks or months.