From Sheep to Street View: The Woolly Photographers of the Faroe Islands

When the Faroe Islands were left off Google Street View, one creative woman found an unusual solution that perfectly suited a place where sheep outnumber people.

The Birth of Sheep 360

Durita had a brilliant idea. She started something called Sheep 360, turning the local sheep into photographers to make sure her homeland got the online attention it deserved.

The Faroe Islands have about 50,000 sheep roaming freely across the landscape. These woolly wanderers cover lots of ground every day as they graze, making them perfect for an unusual photography mission.

Sheep With Cameras

Working with the Faroe Islands Tourism Board, Durita created special harnesses for the sheep. Each harness held a 360-degree camera and had solar panels to keep the cameras charged all day long.

The cameras were set to take one photo every minute. They also recorded GPS data showing exactly where each picture was taken. At the end of each day, Durita would collect the images and upload them to Google Street View.

Going Where Google Can't

The sheep proved to be excellent photographers. They reached remote and rugged areas that even Google's special camera cars couldn't access. The woolly photographers captured views of the islands that would have otherwise remained unseen by the digital world.

Gaining International Attention

The Sheep 360 project quickly caught the eye of news outlets around the world. People were charmed by the idea of sheep helping to map an entire country.

When Google heard about the project, they were impressed. The company loaned some of their official Street View equipment to the islands to help with the mapping effort.

Community Effort

Soon, the sheep weren't the only ones taking pictures. Locals joined in the fun, carrying cameras on horses, skateboards, and even wheelbarrows. The whole community came together to help put their islands on the digital map.

Before long, the entire Faroe Islands were mapped on Google Street View.

More Than Just Maps

Sheep 360 did more than just put the Faroe Islands on the digital map. It brought people together. Neighbors worked side by side on the project, strengthening community bonds.

The creative solution also showcased the islands' unique character to the world. A place where sheep outnumber people used those very sheep to solve a modern problem in a way that was perfectly suited to their way of life.