Jul. 17—MITCHELL — If you thought you spotted a futuristic blur zipping through Mitchell on one wheel Wednesday afternoon, you weren’t imagining things.
A man in a neon yellow vest, standing tall on a single tire contraption with cameras strapped to his head and chest, was a real person — not a new delivery robot.
Meet Hervé Andrieu, a self-proclaimed Google Maps enthusiast, full-time telecom specialist and part-time electric unicycle pilot. While most travelers document trips with a few phone snaps, Andrieu takes it several (thousand) steps further. The Florida-based tech consultant was in town briefly — and left with more than 500 photos added to Google Maps.
“I just like to help people discover the world,” Andrieu said as he secured a Samsung smartphone and a Ricoh 360-degree camera to his body. He uses the phone to take high-resolution photos, while the camera captures panoramic still images of his surroundings. With both devices secured, he set off again, ready to share the world from every angle.
It’s part of his project, GoogleMaps.Guru, a personal mission. Andrieu is a Level 10 Local Guide — the highest level in Google’s Local Guide program that rewards volunteers for contributing photos, reviews, and edits to improve Google Maps. He’s uploaded more than 235,000 photos, which have amassed 15 billion views and currently get about 3 million views daily, making him likely one of the most-viewed photographers on the platform.
Andrieu and his wife were in South Dakota to check off a longtime dream: visiting Mount Rushmore. The iconic site had caught their attention during a road trip through Utah and Wyoming, when his wife expressed a strong desire to see it. At that time, Andrieu thought South Dakota was too much of a detour.
“But this time, I knew it had to happen,” he said. “It’s a very symbolic and important place — not just visually, but historically.”
On the way, Andrieu connected with Mitchell resident Darla Pistulka, who works for Zoom Video Communications. They had collaborated remotely for years on his consulting work and finally met in person Wednesday evening over dinner.
“It was great to finally meet in person,” Pistulka said. “Hervé’s definitely an interesting person, using a unicycle to map places is pretty unique.”
Before dinner, Andrieu gave Mitchell his photo treatment. For about two and a half hours, he explored the city by electric unicycle, photographing roughly 165 businesses. His shots of Sherwin-Williams and Puerto Vallarta restaurant quickly rose to the top photo spots on Google Maps — a sign the algorithm approved.
Why a unicycle? Efficiency, Andrieu explained.
“In a car or even a bike, you waste too much time parking or getting on and off,” he said. “With the unicycle, I can just keep moving and snapping pictures.”
His current ride is a Gotway MSX, a self-balancing electric unicycle that can reach 35 mph. He’s logged more than 22,000 miles on unicycles, using them not just for photography but errands, shopping and even hauling home improvement supplies.
“I once carried a couch,” he laughed. “On one wheel.”
The unicycle is part of the fun and part of his commitment to helping others discover and navigate the world.
“Being a Local Guide isn’t just about reviews or photos,” Andrieu said. “It’s about sharing experiences, supporting local businesses, and contributing to a platform millions rely on daily.”
His contribution to Google Maps began with a single photo — a flawed shot of Montmorency Falls in Quebec in 2016. Despite its imperfections, Google encouraged him to post more.
Though he isn’t paid for his contributions, early encouragement and seeing the visible impact of his photos kept him going.
He admits he’s motivated not just by exploring new places but also by stats, leaderboards and the sense that his work matters. Knowing his photos help people make decisions drives him to keep capturing and sharing.
“I’m more motivated than ever to continue exploring, capturing, and sharing,” he said.
He has photographed businesses and landmarks across the U.S. — from Florida to Michigan, Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, and now South Dakota. He also has images from France, Belgium and Peru.
Andrieu prefers smaller towns and rural areas, which he says reflect “real America” and are often overlooked. He focuses on business facades, signage, menus and restaurant interiors. He avoids including people for privacy and because the algorithm disfavors faces.
He’s become something of a Google Maps whisperer. Through observation and experimentation — not insider info — he’s learned how to frame and tag photos to maximize visibility.
“Google doesn’t tell you anything,” he said. “But if your photos keep getting used, you know you’re doing something right.”
As for Mitchell, Andrieu says it was a pleasant surprise — quiet, friendly and photogenic.
“I hope the pictures help people find their way,” he said, rolling off toward his next destination, phone flashing, wheel humming.
After all, as he puts it: “A photograph is worth a thousand words … even on Google Maps.”