No matter the technical aspects in photography, which change dramatically from year to year, Coyne has kept the competition about compelling images.

CNN: Art photography: When 'reality isn't good enough'

But while Google's engineers provided technical support to the project, the actual photography and stitching together of the images was carried out by a scientists funded by the Catlin Group, a Bermuda-based insurance firm.

BBC: Google adds coral reef panoramas to Street View maps

Furthermore, shooting procedures, technical advice and the recommended interchangeable lens for the scene are displayed for users to improve their photography.

ENGADGET: Panasonic Lumix GF6 announced for the US, shipping in June for $600