In what apparently marks an extension of Google's Street View technology, which allows users to view 360-degree exterior images, the Internet search giant has initiated a pilot project that enables users to peep into shops and other businesses featuring on Google Maps.

With there being widespread complaints about the `intrusive' nature of the Street View technology, Google said that the new scheme that it is piloting will work completely on a voluntary basis; and is essentially aimed at helping the businesses build their online presence.

Revealing that the new pilot project has taken off with invitations to the most-searched businesses to request a visit by Google's photographers, the company said that, to begin with, the roll-out of the project has been limited to certain selected locations including London, Paris, and several cities in the US, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Big-brand chains as well as hospitals and lawyers' offices have been excluded for the time being.

According to the plans that Google has announced for its new 360-degree Business Photos project, Google photographers who are called over by the businesses which chiefly be clicking the enterprises' professional pictures for their Places Page.

Terming the new pilot project as a "creative implementation" of Google's Street View technology, a company spokesman said: "We hope to enable businesses to highlight the qualities that make their locations stand out through professional, high-quality imagery."