A MAJOR project to put Rhayader on the map has taken a giant leap forward after the group behind the initiative received a 360-degree camera on loan from Google.

The project aims to make a comprehensive addition to the town’s presence on Google Maps and Street View, with volunteers being trained to use both the Google 360-degree camera and a GoPro camera to take pictures inside local shops, businesses and other buildings as well as surrounding areas such as footpaths and cycle paths.

The first training days for volunteers took place on Sunday, April 22 and Monday, April 23 and local organisations are apparently queueing up to be put on the list of places where filming is scheduled to take place.

A ‘Google Town’ steering committee of eight people has been set up to oversee the project and a spreadsheet is being drawn up, which will match the volunteers carrying out filming with locations that need to be filmed.

The cameras can either be mounted on tripods for the best quality videos and still images or on back packs for filming around town and the nearby countryside.

Kelvyn Curry, the Rhayader town councillor chairing the steering committee, said the group’s loan of the Google camera officially began on Tuesday, May 1. He said the task is now to film as much of Rhayader as possible but in an organised way.

The Ricoh Theta 360-degree camera from Google is on loan to Rhayader for six weeks although Cllr Curry is hoping the loan period might be extended because of the interest the Google Town project has aroused.

“We’ve had a fantastic response from the town already,” said Cllr Curry. “Last weekend we were able to train 13 volunteers at Elan Valley Lodge in how to use the cameras and we’ve had lots of businesses and other organisations in the town getting in touch.

“Everyone’s keen to get involved. We’ve had businesses such as Hafod Hardware get in touch as well as the primary school, the museum and gallery, the leisure centre and Elan Valley Visitor Centre and many more besides.”

The initial idea for the Google Town project came from former Rhayader resident Jim Gayes. His approach was initially rejected but, after Jim moved away to Chester, Google got back in touch to say the town’s application had been accepted.

Cllr Curry said the aim of the project is to boost the town’s tourism profile and to bring more tourists to Rhayader. He added: “Hopefully more people will come forward as volunteers to help with the filming.

“The Google Town project is an opportunity for people all over the world to see what Rhayader has to offer. Hopefully it will whet their appetite and encourage them to come to the town. Google are really interested in what we’re doing and there’s even a possibility that they will lend us another camera.

“I’d especially like to thank Roy Davies for allowing us to use Elan Valley Lodge for the training day and for the refreshments.

“Also Daso Interractive Development in Rhayader have helpfully supplied extra battery packs so we can keep the cameras running for longer.”