On Monday, Google released its latest Maps update which virtually takes the interactive project to new heights; unfolding the company's new `Street View special collection' which features the highest mountain peaks of the world.

The latest update to Google Maps brings up for viewing four of the tallest and most dangerous mountain peaks in the world. These peaks are: the Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas; Mount Elbrus in Russia; Aconcagua in Argentina; and the dormant volcano, Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania.

It was over a period of 18 months that the panoramic pictures of the four mountain peaks were captured with the help of a tripod, a digital camera, and fisheye lens. The HDR photography which was produced as a result of the effort was then incorporated into Google Maps with the aim of building a more comprehensive site.

Noting that the Google Maps users will now be able to "explore some of the most famous mountains on Earth," Google adventurer Dan Fredinburg said in a recent blog post that these four mountains, together with three others, comprise the Seven Summits - that is, the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.

Stating that standing on the mountain was an exhilarating experience by itself, Fredinburg said in his blog post that Google maps now instantly transports the adventure-loving users to "the top of these peaks and enjoy the sights without all of the avalanches, rock slides, crevasses, and dangers from altitude and weather that mountaineers face."