Google StreetView is becoming Google RiverView in south America as the popular mapping service goes offroad to capture the majesty of the Amazon rainforest.

Incongruously clamped to the top of a local tourist boat Google’s camera technology is now wending its way along the Amazon river to collect panoramic images of the world renowned forest.

In a first for Google local tribes people are also being employed to pedal specially built tricycles around their communities to capture the human heritage of the area.

Partnering with the Sustainable Amazon Foundation, Google are keen to capture the biological fiversity of the region to raise further global awareness of the rainforest’s importance – and to redouble efforts to protect it.

Google’s man in charge of the Amazonian venture, Karin Tuxen-Bettman, said: “Once all the images are uploaded to the internet, we can share the local culture and beauty of the Amazon with anyone, anywhere in the world. Without the vision, creativity and dedication of our partners, this endeavour would not be possible.”