Panoramio, a photo-sharing platform with a geolocation feature, is no longer available. For years, the platform has been a hub for discerning photo enthusiasts, empowering them to showcase their creativity and share striking visuals with the viewer. This website's discontinuation notified its user base about the end of an era, but also reminded them of the importance of carrying on the mission of sharing breathtaking images worldwide.
One of the significant concerns addressed post-discontinuation was related to users' Panoramio data. Fortunately, if a user's Panoramio profile was integrated with their Google account, there is a chance that all associated photos were migrated to the Google Album Archive in full resolution. However, any non-photo related data from Panoramio has been permanently deleted.
The continued visibility of Panoramio photos on Google Earth and Google Maps was, unsurprisingly, another key point of worry. The expectation is that if Panoramio photos were paired with the name of an individual's Google Account, they would persist on these platforms, maintaining their initial view counts. Yet, if only attributed to a user's Panoramio username, these images would vanish. Despite the closure of Panoramio, the platform's users can still manage their photos through Google Maps by signing into it and accessing the Contributions screen from the main menu.
As to the question of whether users can continue posting photos to Google Earth and Google Maps--the answer is affirmative. The Local Guides program is recommended to those looking to contribute more to Google Maps and form connections with a growing community of photographers. The program not only offers users a platform similar to Panoramio for photo submission, but also has an additional feature of rewarding points for photos linked to a point of interest or business. These earned points can be used to unlock various rewards, enhancing the photography experience.
In conclusion, despite the regrettable discontinuation of Panoramio, Google ensures that its users can still find an outlet for their passion by providing alternatives for photo-sharing, featuring some beneficial services. Despite the initial disappointment, users can still actively involve themselves in the world of photography and geography, carrying on the essence of what Panoramio stood for.
