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In their existence, Google Maps and Google Earth have displayed quite a few odd images. Prepare to see a lot more, courtesy of the citizens of Sydney, Australia. Google is going to take some new pictures of the area, and the search engine company has not only given the public a heads up - it's encouraged them to put on a show for the cameras.

"Google Australia is celebrating Australia Day 2007 by photographing Sydney Harbour from the air, and we want to make sure as many of us as possible squeeze into the picture," a company site declared. "So when you see the Google branded plane flying overhead this January 26th, hoist a sign, arrange your family into a fun formation or just get a bunch of friends together to wave."

Perhaps we're just weirdoes, but the other WebProNews writers and I are worried about what some people might consider a "fun formation." And aside from any crude words and lewd images, it wouldn't be too hard for businesses to exploit this as an advertising opportunity.

The whole thing may become a moot point, though, if the weather doesn't cooperate or if the pictures don't turn out. Lars Rasmussen, Google Australia's head of engineering and a lead engineer on Google Maps, seemed to accept that possibility when he spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald. He also indicated that the residents of other cities might get a chance to smile for the camera.

"It's a bit of an experiment and if it's a success, we'll probably do it in other places [around the world]," Rasmussen said. Those places, according to the Herald, could include U.S. cities on Independence Day.

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Doug is a staff writer for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest eBusiness news.