Ford Bronco Brings the Entire TransAmerica Trail to Google Maps

Ford’s off-road SUV, equipped with Google Street View cameras, mapped all 5,900 miles of the TAT, capturing remote roads and epic adventure spots.

Google Street View’s Ambitious Project

Since its launch in 2007, Google Street View has captured over 220 billion images, covering more than 10 million miles across 100 countries. Its latest challenge was to map the TransAmerica Trail (TAT), a rugged off-road route spanning 13 U.S. states. To achieve this, Google partnered with Ford, demonstrating how advanced technology and modern off-road vehicles can make even the most remote trails accessible.

Ford Bronco Built for Adventure

The Ford Bronco selected for the mission was equipped with the latest-generation Street View camera, compatible with laser scanners and adaptable to almost any vehicle with a roof rack. Over 35 days of expedition, the Bronco traversed all 5,900 miles of the TAT, from Port Orford, Oregon, to Nags Head, North Carolina, covering rural roads, mountain passes, and challenging terrain, while a Ford Ranger and Expedition supported the journey as backup vehicles.

Detailed Mapping and Key Landmarks

The project didn’t just chart the route; it captured iconic points of interest, including Ophir Pass in Colorado. Off-road enthusiasts can now plan their adventures along the TAT directly from Google Maps, exploring every twist and turn in 360-degree panoramic views. This collaboration highlights how advanced technology and rugged vehicles can create new possibilities for off-road exploration.

An Innovative Google-Ford Partnership

Mapping the TAT marks the first time Google partnered directly with an automaker to record an entire route. The Street View camera, weighing less than 15 pounds, allows mapping of previously inaccessible areas, proving that Ford SUVs and trucks can handle extreme expedition conditions with ease.

The Future of Off-Road Cartography

This collaboration sets a new standard in adventure mapping. Beyond helping off-road drivers, it lays the groundwork for documenting remote routes across North America and beyond, combining technological innovation with the durability of modern off-road vehicles and taking adventure planning to an entirely new level.