Ocmulgee National Monument uses Google Maps for virtual tour

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – In about six months, you’ll be able to take a virtual tour of the Ocmulgee Mounds online.

The Ocmulgee National Monument Association is using a Google Maps Trekker to make the virtual images. Volunteers are walking six miles with the 45 pound backpack so people all over the world can see the historic mounds.

“You can access every point of Ocmulgee and experience all the trails here like you would if you were just a regular visitor that came here to the park,” said Billie Coleman, the Public Relations Coordinator for the Ocmulgee National Monument Association.

Coleman explained the Ocmulgee National Monument Association reached out to Google because the group wanted to show off the beauty of the park. Google is letting the non-profit use the backpack for free because the company wants to collect as many locations in the world as it can, according to Coleman.

“People could be able to access the tops of the mounds and inside the earth lodge and see all the different trails,” explained Coleman.

It also gives new perspective to some who have been to the park before.

“It’s going to be great for people who are not able to go on top of the mound, who are maybe in a wheelchair. They can’t climb the 70 stairs to the top. They will be able to see it from their living room or wherever they’re at,” said Angela Bates, a Park Ranger at the Ocmulgee National Monument.

Bates is hopeful the new world-wide exposure will encourage people to come see the beauty in person.

The Ocmulgee National Monument Association has the Trekker backpack for two more weeks. They plan to do every trail in the park during that time.