Google Street View cars map methane leaks in major US cities

Google street car

Source: (c) Maislam/iStock

Cars fitted with methane analysers flag streets in Boston, New York and Indianapolis where subterranean pipes are in need of repair

Leaking natural gas pipelines in several US cities including Boston, New York and Indianapolis have been mapped with the help of Google Street View cars fitted with methane detectors. This approach is far quicker and more effective than conventional ways of detecting leaks, and could help cut emissions of the potent greenhouse gas by identifying where repairs are needed.