How does google capture/accomplish the new street view imagery in Google Maps?

I just discovered the google Street View functionality in Google Maps. It doesn't show up in most streets, but I've found several that it does on. Just curious...how does Google accomplish this? Did they send photographers out to take street level 360 degree photos every 20 feet or so on all of these streets or is this somehow accomplished from satallite photos? Any insight for a curious mind is appreciated.

How does google capture/accomplish the new street view imagery in Google Maps?
A truck drives around takeing pictures at regular intervals automatically
Reply:They have a van equipped with a 360 degree radius, that drives and takes pictures every so often. Thats the only way I can think of it. I have wondered the same thing too.. It is crazy what they can do now.
Reply:They use a 360 degree camera mounted to a car and just drive up and down all these streets.