Eurostar and Google launch Explore Europe Interactive Display

Eurostar, the international high-speed train operator between the UK and mainland Europe, and leading internet search provider Google, have launched a novel new display system at St Pancras International in London that enables travellers to explore Europe in a more visual way.

The “Explore Europe” display combines the advanced mapping technology of Google Earth with a series of specially customised ‘fly-through’ views of Eurostar’s key destinations.

It allows travellers to select a high-level, bird’s eye view, and then to swoop down and fly in 3D through the centres of London, Brussels, Paris, Disneyland Paris, Lille, Avignon and Bourg St Maurice. Travellers can hover over famous landmarks, follow high-speed rail routes, head for the mountains, or even search for their own homes.

The departure lounge at St Pancras International is equipped with two large displays with plasma and LCD screens and bespoke touch-screen technology. Designed for Eurostar by Land Design Studio and software developer Studio Simple, the kiosks are free of charge to use.

Sarah McDonald, Travel Industry Manager, Google, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Eurostar in such a stunning station environment. Today’s huge number of internet visitors to Google Earth and Maps shows that people want to explore their travel destinations before they get there, and what better way to do so than with “Explore Europe”. Using satellite imagery from a wide range of sources including NASA, “Explore Europe” blends bird’s eye views seamlessly with the specially designed ‘fly-through’ facility.”

Eurostar is seeing a substantial growth in demand since moving to St Pancras International last November. It has reported a 21.3% growth in traveller numbers for the first quarter of 2008, with even greater rises in areas outside South East England thanks to the introduction of through fares from regional towns and cities, and better connections between St Pancras International and domestic rail services.

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