How does google get the images for their "Street View" maps on google maps and google earth?

Is it a volunteer thing? Or do they have their own cars that drive through select area? How can a person get involved if it is a volunteer thing? Or how can someone request a certain area?How does google get the images for their "Street View" maps on google maps and google earth?
They have their own cars and vans drive around.



The camera sees 360 and up. it does not capture down because that's where the stand is.



If you go on google maps in a sunny area you'll see the shade of the van. You'll notice it will follows the camera everywhere it goes.How does google get the images for their "Street View" maps on google maps and google earth?
As creepy as it may seem, a google van drives around with a camera and takes a picture ever few feet and uploads it. They are most likely Google Contractors, hired to do this job. Contact google for more information.