Google Earth: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|3D Internet global map program}} |
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{{Good article}} |
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{{Use American English|date=October 2023}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} |
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{{Infobox software |
{{Infobox software |
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| name |
| name = Google Earth |
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| logo |
| logo = Google Earth icon.svg |
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| screenshot |
| screenshot = Google Earth on Chrome screenshot.png |
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| caption |
| caption = Google Earth 9 on [[Google Chrome]] |
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| collapsible |
| collapsible = yes |
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| ver layout = stacked |
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| author = [[Google, Inc.]] |
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| author = Keyhole, Inc. |
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| developer = [[Google]] |
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| released = June 28, 2005<br />(as Google Earth)<br />June 11, 2001<br />(as Keyhole Earthviewer) |
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| released = {{Start date and age|2001|6|10}} |
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| frequently updated = yes <!-- Release version update? Don't edit this page, just click on the version number! --> |
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| programming language = |
| programming language = [[C++]], [[Dart (programming language)|Dart]] |
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| operating system = {{indented plainlist| |
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| operating system = [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] ([[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows XP|XP]], [[Windows Vista|Vista]], [[Windows 7|7]]), [[OS X]], [[Symbian]], [[Blackberry Storm]], [[iOS (Apple)|iOS]] and [[Linux]] |
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* [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[Android Lollipop|Lollipop]] or later |
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| size = Windows – 12.5 [[Megabyte|MB]]<br />iOS – 8.9 MB<br />Android – 5.72 MB<br />Linux – 24 MB<br />OS X – 35 MB |
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* [[iOS]] [[iOS 15|15]] or later |
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| language = 45 languages |
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* [[iPadOS]] [[iPadOS 15|15]] or later |
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| genre = [[Virtual globe]] |
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* [[Linux]] ([[Ubuntu]] 14/[[Fedora Linux|Fedora]] 23-equivalent or later) |
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| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] [[freeware]] |
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* [[OS X Mountain Lion|macOS 10.8]] or later |
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| website = {{url|http://earth.google.com}} |
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* [[Web application|Web App]] |
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* [[Windows 7]] or later<ref name=SystemRequirements>{{cite web |url=https://support.google.com/earth/answer/21955 |title=Install & uninstall Google Earth Pro |website=Google Earth Help |access-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111203743/https://support.google.com/earth/answer/21955 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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| language count = Various |
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| genre = [[Virtual globe]] |
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| license = [[Freeware]] |
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| website = {{URL|https://earth.google.com/}} |
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}} |
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'''Google Earth''' is a [[web mapping|web]] and [[computer program]] that renders a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] representation of [[Earth]] based primarily on [[satellite imagery]]. The program maps the Earth by [[superimposition|superimposing]] satellite images, [[aerial photography]], and [[geographic information system|GIS data]] onto a 3D globe, allowing users to see cities and landscapes from various angles. Users can explore the globe by entering addresses and coordinates, or by using a [[Computer keyboard|keyboard]] or [[computer mouse|mouse]]. The program can also be downloaded on a [[smartphone]] or [[Tablet computer|tablet]], using a [[touch screen]] or [[stylus]] to navigate. Users may use the program to add their own data using [[Keyhole Markup Language]] and upload them through various sources, such as forums or [[blog]]s. Google Earth is able to show various kinds of images overlaid on the surface of the Earth and is also a [[Web Map Service]] client. In 2019, [[Google]] revealed that Google Earth covers more than 97 percent of the world.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Google reveals just how much of the world it's mapped with Street View and Earth|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/13/21020814/google-world-mapped-street-view-earth-square-miles|access-date=December 18, 2021|website=www.theverge.com|date=December 13, 2019|language=en|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525062423/https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/13/21020814/google-world-mapped-street-view-earth-square-miles|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In addition to Earth navigation, Google Earth provides a series of other tools through the desktop application, including a measure distance tool. Additional globes for the [[Moon]] and [[Mars]] are available, as well as a tool for viewing the [[night sky]]. A [[flight simulator]] game is also included. Other features allow users to view photos from various places uploaded to [[Panoramio]], information provided by [[Wikipedia]] on some locations, and Street View imagery. The web-based version of Google Earth also includes Voyager, a feature that periodically adds in-program tours, often presented by scientists and documentarians. |
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'''Google Earth''' is a [[virtual globe]], [[map]] and [[Geography|geographical]] information program that was originally called EarthViewer 3D, and was created by [[Keyhole, Inc]], a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) funded company acquired by [[Google]] in 2004 (see [[In-Q-Tel]]). It maps the Earth by the [[superimposition]] of images obtained from [[satellite imagery]], [[aerial photography]] and [[geographic information system|GIS]] [[computer graphics|3D]] globe. It was available under three different licenses, two currently: Google Earth, a free version with limited function; Google Earth Plus (discontinued),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2008/12/google_earth_plus_discontinued.html|title=Google Earth Plus Discontinued}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techpluto.com/google-earth-live/|title=Google Discontinues "Google Earth Plus"}}</ref> which included additional features; and Google Earth Pro ($399 per year), which is intended for commercial use.<ref name="Google Earth Product Family">{{cite web |url=http://earth.google.com/products.html| title= Google Earth Product Family| accessdate = 2007-08-05}}</ref> |
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Google Earth has been viewed by some as a threat to [[privacy]] and [[national security]], leading to the program being banned in multiple countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US general claims Google Earth is a risk to security |url=https://www.itpro.co.uk/118003/us-general-claims-google-earth-is-a-risk-to-security |access-date=July 16, 2022 |website=IT PRO |date=June 22, 2007 |language=en |archive-date=July 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716180511/https://www.itpro.co.uk/118003/us-general-claims-google-earth-is-a-risk-to-security |url-status=live }}</ref> Some countries have requested that certain areas be obscured in Google's satellite images, usually areas containing military facilities. |
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The product, re-released as Google Earth in 2005, is currently available for use on [[personal computer]]s running [[Windows 2000]] and above, [[Mac OS X]] 10.3.9 and above, [[Linux kernel]]: 2.6 or later (released on June 12, 2006), and [[FreeBSD]]. Google Earth is also available as a [[Web browser|browser]] [[Plug-in (computing)|plugin]] which was released on May 28, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2008/05/google-earth-meet-browser.html|title=Google Earth, meet the browser}}</ref> It was also made available for mobile viewers on the [[iOS (Apple)|iPhone OS]] on October 28, 2008, as a free download from the [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]], and is available to [[Android (operating system)|Android]] users as a free app in the [[Google Play]] store. In addition to releasing an updated Keyhole based client, Google also added the imagery from the Earth database to their web-based mapping software, [[Google Maps]]. The release of Google Earth in June 2005 to the public caused a more than tenfold increase in media coverage on [[virtual globe]]s between 2004 and 2005,<ref name="Media Coverage of Geospatial Platforms">{{cite web |url=http://www.geospatialweb.com/figure-4| title=Media Coverage of Geospatial Platforms| accessdate = 2007-08-05}}</ref> driving public interest in [[geospatial]] technologies and applications. |
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As of October 2011 Google Earth has been downloaded more than a billion times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/google-earth-downloaded-more-than-one.html |title=Official Google Blog: Google Earth downloaded more than one billion times |publisher=Googleblog.blogspot.com |date= |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Axetue Team |url=http://www.axetue.com/2011/10/12/google-earth-billion-downloads/ |title=Google Earth Gets a Billion Downloads |publisher=Axetue.com |date=2011-10-12 |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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For other parts of the surface of the Earth 3D images of terrain and buildings are available. Google Earth uses [[digital elevation model]] (DEM) data collected by [[NASA]]'s [[Shuttle Radar Topography Mission]] (SRTM).<ref>Farr et al., 2007, The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, v. 45, Reviews of Geophysics, doi: 1029/2005RG000183. [http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/srtm/ SRTM web site]</ref> This means one can view the whole earth in three [[dimension]]s. Since November 2006, the 3D views of many mountains, including Mount Everest, have been improved by the use of supplementary DEM data to fill the gaps in SRTM coverage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/695033/an/latest/page/0#695033|title=Google Earth Community: Nov. 23rd — Thanksgiving Day imagery update}}</ref> |
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The core [[technology]] behind Google Earth was originally developed at Intrinsic Graphics in the late 1990s. At the time, the company was developing 3D gaming software libraries.<ref name=kilday>{{cite book |title=Never Lost Again: The Google Mapping Revolution That Sparked New Industries and Augmented Our Reality |publisher=HarperBusiness |author=Bill Kilday |year=2018 |isbn=978-0062673046 }}</ref> As a demo of their 3D software, they created a spinning globe that could be zoomed into, similar to the ''[[Powers of Ten (film)|Powers of Ten]]'' film.<ref name=kilday/> The demo was popular, but the board of Intrinsic wanted to remain focused on gaming, so in 1999, they created Keyhole, Inc., headed by [[John Hanke]].<ref name=kilday/> Keyhole then developed a way to stream large databases of mapping data over the internet to client software, a key part of the technology,<ref name=awes/> and acquired patchworks of mapping data from governments and other sources.<ref name=kilday/> The product, called "Keyhole EarthViewer", was sold on CDs for use in fields such as [[real estate]], [[urban planning]], [[war|defense]], and [[Intelligence assessment|intelligence]]; users paid a yearly fee for the service.<ref name=awes/> Despite making a number of capital deals with [[Nvidia]] and [[Sony]],<ref name=awes>{{cite news| url = https://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2003-03-20-earthviewer_x.htm| title = Tiny tech company awes viewers| author = Kevin Manney| newspaper = USA Today| date = March 21, 2003| access-date = August 29, 2017| archive-date = September 13, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120913092856/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2003-03-20-earthviewer_x.htm| url-status = live}}</ref> the small company was struggling to pay and retain employees.<ref name=kilday/> |
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Fortunes for the company changed in early 2003 during the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], when Dave Lorenzini (Director at Keyhole) enticed [[CNN]], [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[CBS]] and other major news networks to use their sophisticated 3D flyby imagery to illustrate Baghdad Activities for viewers, in exchange for on-air attribution.<ref name=awes/><ref name=kilday/> During the invasion, It was used extensively by [[Miles O'Brien (journalist)|Miles O'Brien]] and other on-air broadcasters, allowing CNN and millions of viewers to follow the progress of the war in a way that had never been seen before.<ref name=awes/><ref name=kilday/> Public interest in the software exploded and Keyhole servers were not able to keep up with demand.<ref name=awes/><ref name=kilday/> Keyhole was soon contacted by the [[Central Intelligence Agency]]'s venture capital firm, [[In-Q-Tel]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2005-05-09/meet-the-cias-venture-capitalist |magazine=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]] |title=Meet The CIA's Venture Capitalist |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605121646/http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2005-05-09/meet-the-cias-venture-capitalist |archive-date=June 5, 2013 }}</ref> and the [[National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency]],<ref name=pandooakland>{{cite web|url=http://pando.com/2014/03/07/the-google-military-surveillance-complex/|title=Oakland emails give another glimpse into the Google-Military-Surveillance Complex|publisher=[[PandoDaily]]|date=March 7, 2014|access-date=August 14, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508154602/https://pando.com/2014/03/07/the-google-military-surveillance-complex/|url-status=dead}}</ref> for use with defense mapping databases, which gave Keyhole a much-needed cash infusion.<ref name=kilday/> Intrinsic Graphics was sold in 2003 to [[Vicarious Visions]] after its gaming libraries did not sell well, and its core group of engineers and management including Brian McClendon and Michael Jones transitioned to Keyhole with Hanke remaining at the head.<ref name=kilday/> |
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Many people use the applications to add their own data, making them available through various sources, such as the [[Bulletin Board Systems]] (BBS) or [[blogs]] mentioned in the link section below. Google Earth is able to show all kinds of images overlaid on the surface of the earth and is also a [[Web Map Service]] client. Google Earth supports managing three-dimensional [[Geospatial]] data through [[Keyhole Markup Language]] (KML). |
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At the time, Google was finding that over 25% of its searches were of a geospatial character, including searches for maps and directions.<ref name=kilday/> In October 2004, Google acquired Keyhole as part of a strategy to better serve its users.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB109888284313557107|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=October 27, 2004|access-date=December 3, 2017|title=Google Acquires Keyhole|archive-date=December 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204171107/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB109888284313557107|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Google Earth is simply based on 3D maps, with the capability to show 3D buildings and structures (such as bridges), which consist of users' submissions using [[SketchUp]], a [[3D modeling]] program software. In prior versions of Google Earth (before Version 4), 3D buildings were limited to a few cities, and had poorer rendering with no textures. Many buildings and structures from around the world now have detailed 3D structures; including (but not limited to) those in the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, India, Japan, United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skyscrapernews.com/googleearth.php |title=Skyscraper News Google Earth |publisher=Skyscrapernews.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> Germany, [[Pakistan]] and the cities, [[Amsterdam]] and [[Alexandria]]. In August 2007, [[Hamburg]] became the first city entirely shown in 3D, including textures such as façades. The 'Westport3D' model was created by 3D imaging firm AM3TD using long-distance laser scanning technology and digital photography and is the first such model of an Irish town to be created. As it was developed initially to aid Local Government in carrying out their [[town planning]] functions it includes the highest resolution photo-realistic textures to be found anywhere in Google Earth. Three-dimensional renderings are available for certain buildings and structures around the world via Google's 3D Warehouse<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/ |title=3D Warehouse |publisher=Sketchup.google.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> and other websites. In June 2012, Google announced that it will start to replace user submitted 3D buildings with auto-generated 3D mesh buildings starting with major cities. |
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Although there are many cities on Google Earth that are fully or partially 3D, more are available in the Earth Gallery. The Earth Gallery is a library of modifications of Google Earth people have made. In the library there are more than just modifications for 3D buildings there are models of earth quakes using the Google Earth model, 3D forests, and much more.<ref>{{cite news| tourl=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/google-and-apple-to-use-new-hi-tech-mapping-planes/articleshow/14021486.cms | title=Google and Apple to use new hi-tech mapping planes | date=11 June 2012 | work=The Times Of India}}</ref> |
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In 2021, Google replaced its layers feature with a new one on its Google Earth software.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2021 |title=New layers set in Google Earth Pro! |author=Staff |url=https://support.google.com/earth/thread/117930184/new-layers-set-in-google-earth-pro?hl=en%20layers%20feature |url-status=live |access-date=November 9, 2011 |work=Google Earth Help |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109223634/https://support.google.com/earth/thread/117930184/new-layers-set-in-google-earth-pro?hl=en%20layers%20feature }}</ref> This replacement consolidated some layers, but also removed some layers and features.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 4, 2021|title=County boundaries and other information missing from new Borders and Labels layer|url=https://support.google.com/earth/thread/124369583/county-boundaries-and-other-information-missing-from-new-borders-and-labels-layer?hl=en|url-status=live|access-date=November 9, 2021|website=Google Earth Help|archive-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109223635/https://support.google.com/earth/thread/124369583/county-boundaries-and-other-information-missing-from-new-borders-and-labels-layer?hl=en}}</ref> |
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Recently, around 2009, Google added a feature that allows users to monitor traffic speeds at loops located every 200 yards in real-time. In version 4.3 released on April 15, 2008, [[Google Street View]] was fully integrated into the program allowing the program to provide an on the street level view in many locations. |
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==Imagery== |
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On January 31, 2010, the entirety of Google Earth's ocean floor imagery was updated to new images by [[Scripps Institution of Oceanography|SIO]], [[NOAA]], [[US Navy]], [[National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency|NGA]], and [[GEBCO]]. The new images have caused smaller islands, such as some atolls in the [[Maldives]], to be rendered invisible despite their shores being completely outlined.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/01/new_view_of_ocean_floor_in_google_e.html |title=New View of Ocean Floor in Google Earth | Google Earth Blog |publisher=Gearthblog.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> |
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Google Earth's imagery is displayed on a digital [[globe]], which displays the planet's surface using a single composited image from a far distance. After zooming in far enough, the imagery transitions into different imagery of the same area with finer detail, which varies in date and time from one area to the next. The imagery is retrieved from [[satellite]]s or [[aircraft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/earth/answer/6327779?hl=en|title=How images are collected|access-date=August 6, 2017|archive-date=September 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919215532/https://support.google.com/earth/answer/6327779|url-status=live}}</ref> Before the launch of [[NASA]] and the [[United States Geological Survey|USGS's]] [[Landsat 8]] satellite, Google relied partially on imagery from [[Landsat 7]], which suffered from a hardware malfunction that left diagonal gaps in images.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://landsat.usgs.gov/slc-products-background|publisher=United States Geological Survey|title=SLC-off Products: Background|access-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807072341/https://landsat.usgs.gov/slc-products-background|archive-date=August 7, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, Google used [[datamining]] to remedy the issue, providing what was described as a successor to the [[Blue Marble]] image of Earth, with a single large image of the entire planet. This was achieved by combining multiple sets of imagery taken from Landsat 7 to eliminate clouds and diagonal gaps, creating a single "mosaic" image.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maps.googleblog.com/2013/06/only-clear-skies-on-google-maps-and.html|title=Only clear skies on Google Maps and Earth|date=June 26, 2013|access-date=August 6, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807072138/https://maps.googleblog.com/2013/06/only-clear-skies-on-google-maps-and.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Google has since used myriad sources to provide imagery in a higher quality and with greater frequency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/06/27/google-earth-and-maps-get-sharper-satellite-imagery-with-new-update/|publisher=Tech Crunch|title=Google Earth and Maps get sharper satellite imagery with new update|date=June 27, 2016|access-date=August 6, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807072458/https://techcrunch.com/2016/06/27/google-earth-and-maps-get-sharper-satellite-imagery-with-new-update/|url-status=live}}</ref> Imagery is hosted on Google's servers, which are contacted by the application when opened, requiring an Internet connection. |
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Imagery resolution ranges from 15 meters to 15 centimeters except for the ocean floor, which ranges from 1 km to 100 m.<ref name= "Ocean"/> For much of the Earth, Google Earth uses [[digital elevation model]] data collected by [[NASA]]'s [[Shuttle Radar Topography Mission]].<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1029/2005RG000183 |bibcode = 2007RvGeo..45.2004F|title = The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission|journal = Reviews of Geophysics|volume = 45|issue = 2|pages = RG2004|last1 = Farr|first1 = Tom G.|last2 = Rosen|first2 = Paul A.|last3 = Caro|first3 = Edward|last4 = Crippen|first4 = Robert|last5 = Duren|first5 = Riley|last6 = Hensley|first6 = Scott|last7 = Kobrick|first7 = Michael|last8 = Paller|first8 = Mimi|last9 = Rodriguez|first9 = Ernesto|last10 = Roth|first10 = Ladislav|last11 = Seal|first11 = David|last12 = Shaffer|first12 = Scott|last13 = Shimada|first13 = Joanne|last14 = Umland|first14 = Jeffrey|last15 = Werner|first15 = Marian|last16 = Oskin|first16 = Michael|last17 = Burbank|first17 = Douglas|last18 = Alsdorf|first18 = Douglas|year = 2007|citeseerx = 10.1.1.102.9372| s2cid=140735782 |issn=1944-9208 }}</ref> This creates the impression of three-dimensional terrain, even where the imagery is only two-dimensional. |
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All of these features are also released by Google Earth Blog.<ref>Google Earth Blog</ref> |
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{{anchor|Copyright}} Google asserts that every image created from Google Earth using satellite data provided by Google Earth is a [[copyright]]ed map. Any derivative from Google Earth is made from data on which Google claims copyright under [[United States Copyright Law]]. Google grants license to this data allowing, among other things, non-commercial personal use of the images (e.g., on a personal website or blog) as long as copyrights and attributions are preserved.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Google Earth Help Center |url=http://earth.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=21422 |title=Can I post images to the web? |access-date=January 20, 2007 |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927051807/http://earth.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=21422 |url-status=live }}</ref> By contrast, images created with NASA's globe software [[NASA WorldWind|WorldWind]] use ''[[The Blue Marble#Subsequent Blue Marble images|The Blue Marble]]'', [[Landsat]], or USGS imagery, each of which is in the [[public domain]]. |
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==Uses== |
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Google Earth is useful for many day-to-day and other purposes. |
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* Google Earth can be used to view areas subjected to widespread disasters if Google supplies up-to-date images. For example after the January 12, [[2010 Haiti earthquake]] images of Haiti were made available on January 17. |
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* With Google's push for the inclusion of Google Earth in the Classroom,<ref name="GoogleEnterprise">{{cite web |author=Natasha Wyatt |title=Reinventing classroom geography with Google Earth API |publisher=Google Earth and Maps team |url=http://googleenterprise.blogspot.com/2010/04/reinventing-classroom-geography-with.html |
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| accessdate = 2010-04-29}}</ref> teachers are adopting Google Earth in the classroom for lesson planning, such as teaching students geographical themes (location, culture, characteristics, human interaction, and movement)<ref name="Lesson-Ganzel">{{cite web |author=Karen Ganzel |title=Geography Lesson Plans Using Google Earth |publisher=Lesson Planet |date=2010-04-27 |url=http://www.lessonplanet.com/directory_articles/elementary_math_lesson_plans/27_April_2010/337/geography_lesson_plans_using_google_earth |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> to creating [[Mashup (web application hybrid)|mashups]] with other web applications such as [[Wikipedia]].<ref name="GoogleEnterprise"/><ref name="Lesson-Ganzel"/> |
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* One can explore and place location bookmarks on the Moon, and Mars. |
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* One can also get directions using Google Earth, using variables such as street names, cities, and establishments. |
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* Google Earth can also function as a hub of knowledge, pertaining the users location. By enabling certain options, one can see the location of gas stations, restaurants, museums, and other public establishments in their area. Google Earth can also dot the map with links to images, [[YouTube]] videos, and [[Wikipedia]] articles relevant to the area being viewed. |
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* One can create custom image overlays for planning trips, hikes on handheld GPS units |
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{{Anchor|historicalimagery}} In version 5.0, Google introduced Historical Imagery, allowing users to view earlier imagery. Clicking the [[clock]] icon in the toolbar opens a time slider, which marks the time of available imagery from the past. This feature allows for observation of an area's changes over time.<ref name="Dive into New Google Earth">{{cite web | url = http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/dive-into-new-google-earth.html | title = Dive into New Google Earth | access-date = February 3, 2009 | archive-date = February 3, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090203181324/http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/dive-into-new-google-earth.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Utilizing the timelapse feature allows for the ability to view a zoom-able video as far back as 38 years.<ref>"Timelapse." ''Google Earth Engine'', earthengine.google.com/timelapse/.</ref> |
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==Features== |
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=== |
=== 3D imagery === |
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[[File:3D locations in Google Earth.svg|thumb|410px|Countries with 3D coverage in Google Earth as of May 2024: |
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In December 2006, Google Earth added a new layer called "Geographic Web" that includes integration with [[Wikipedia]] and [[Panoramio]]. In Wikipedia, entries are [[Web scraping|scraped]] for coordinates via the {{srlink|Template:Coord|Coord templates}}. There is also a community-layer from the project [[:de:Wikipedia:WikiProjekt Georeferenzierung/Wikipedia-World/en|Wikipedia-World]]. More coordinates are used, different types are in the display and different languages are supported than the built-in Wikipedia layer.<ref>http://tools.wikimedia.de/~kolossos/world-link.php?lang=en</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.webkuehn.de/hobbys/wikipedia/geokoordinaten/index.htm |title=Homepage von Stefan Kühn |publisher=webkuehn.de |date= |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> Google announced on May 30, 2007 that it is acquiring [[Panoramio]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com/intl/en/press/annc/annc_panoramio.html|title=Google is planning to acquire Panoramio|publisher=google.com}}</ref> In March 2010, Google removed the "Geographic Web" layer. The "Panoramio" layer became part of the main layers and the "Wikipedia" layer was placed in the "More" layer. |
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{{legend|#ED1C24|Countries with 3D coverage (55, including [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]])}} |
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{{legend|#B9B9B9|Countries without 3D coverage}}]] |
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[[File:Google_Earth_(iOS)_-_3D_Mode_at_Wisconsin_Dells_Great_Wolf_Lodge.png|thumb|right|3D imagery in the [[iOS]] version of Google Earth, seen here at [[Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin]]|301x301px]] |
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===Flight simulator=== |
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Google Earth shows [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[building model]]s in some cities, including photorealistic 3D imagery made using [[photogrammetry]].<ref>Gopal Shah, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suo_aUTUpps Google Earth's Incredible 3D Imagery, Explained] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611222736/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suo_aUTUpps |date=June 11, 2020 }}, April 18, 2017</ref> The first 3D buildings in Google Earth were created using [[3D modeling]] applications such as [[SketchUp]] and, beginning in 2009, [[Google Building Maker|Building Maker]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maps.googleblog.com/2009/10/introducing-google-building-maker.html|title=Introducing Google Building Maker|access-date=July 24, 2016|archive-date=August 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819071811/https://maps.googleblog.com/2009/10/introducing-google-building-maker.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and were uploaded to Google Earth via the [[3D Warehouse]]. In June 2012, Google announced that it would be replacing user-generated 3D buildings with an auto-generated 3D mesh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.ca/2012/10/explore-world-with-tour-guide-and-3d.html|title=Explore the world with tour guide and 3D imagery in Google Earth 7|publisher=Google LatLong Blog|access-date=July 24, 2016|archive-date=January 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128194004/http://google-latlong.blogspot.ca/2012/10/explore-world-with-tour-guide-and-3d.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This would be phased in, starting with select larger cities, with the notable exception of cities such as [[London]] and [[Toronto]] which required more time to process detailed imagery of their vast number of buildings. The reason given is to have greater uniformity in 3D buildings and to compete with [[Here (company)|Nokia Here]] and [[Apple Maps]], which were already using this technology. The coverage began that year in 21 cities in four countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/10/31/google-earth-adds-new-3d-imagery-in-21-cities-to-its-11000-guided-tours-of-our-planet/|title=Google Earth adds new 3D imagery in 21 cities to its 11,000 guided tours of our planet|access-date=July 24, 2016|date=November 2012|archive-date=February 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221000600/https://venturebeat.com/2012/10/31/google-earth-adds-new-3d-imagery-in-21-cities-to-its-11000-guided-tours-of-our-planet/|url-status=live}}</ref> By early 2016, 3D imagery had been expanded to hundreds of cities in over 40 countries, including every [[U.S. state]] and encompassing every continent except Antarctica. |
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[[Image:Toronto downtown.png|right|thumb|Downtown [[Toronto]], as seen from a [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] during a simulated flight.]] |
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In Google Earth v4.2 a flight simulator was included as a [[Easter egg (virtual)#Software-based|hidden feature]]. Starting with v4.3 it is no longer hidden. Initially the [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]] and the [[Cirrus SR-22]] were the only aircraft available, and they could be used with only a few airports. However, you can start flight in "current location" and need not to be at an airport. You will face the direction you face when you start the flight simulator. You cannot start flight in ground level view and must be near the ground (approximately 50m-100m above the ground ) to start in take-off position. Otherwise you will be in the air with 40% flaps and gears extended (landing position ). In addition to keyboard control, the simulator can be controlled with a mouse or joystick.{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}} Google Earth v5.1 and higher crashes when starting flight simulator with Saitek and other joysticks. |
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You can even start flight and fly underwater. |
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In 2009, in a collaboration between [[Google]] and the {{lang|es|[[Museo del Prado]]|italic=no}} in [[Madrid]], the museum selected 14 of its paintings to be photographed and displayed at the resolution of 14,000 [[megapixel]]s inside the 3D version of the Prado in Google Earth and [[Google Maps]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2009/jan/14/museums-internet-google-earth-prado|title=Online gallery zooms in on Prado's masterpieces (even the smutty bits)|author=Giles Tremlett|author-link=Giles Tremlett|date=January 14, 2009|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=December 11, 2016|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202105601/https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2009/jan/14/museums-internet-google-earth-prado|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.museodelprado.es/en/whats-on/new/14-masterpieces-from-the-museo-del-prado-in/220f2fe9-beec-44a2-afdb-8c67ff37256c|title=14 masterpieces from the Museo del Prado in mega-high resolution on Google Earth|date=January 14, 2009|access-date=December 3, 2017|publisher=Museo del Prado|archive-date=December 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204222822/https://www.museodelprado.es/en/whats-on/new/14-masterpieces-from-the-museo-del-prado-in/220f2fe9-beec-44a2-afdb-8c67ff37256c|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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====Featured planes==== |
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* [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]] – A much higher speed and maximum altitude than the Cirrus SR-22, it has the ability to fly at a maximum speed of [[Mach 2]], although a maximum speed of 1678 knots (3108 km/h) can be achieved. The take-off speed is 225 knots, the landing speed is 200 knots (370 km/h). |
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* [[Cirrus SR-22]] – Although slower and with a lower maximum altitude, the SR-22 is much easier to handle and is preferred for up-close viewing of Google Earth's imagery. The take-off speed is 75 knots (139 km/h), the landing speed is 70 knots (139 km/h)<ref>[http://googleearthflight.weebly.com/learn-how-to-fly-better.html]{{dead link|date=August 2010}}</ref> |
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=== Street View === |
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The flight simulator can be commanded with the keyboard, mouse or plugged-in joystick. Broadband connection and a high speed computer provides a very realistic experience.<ref>[http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article3250643.ece Webwise: Google's flight simulator] [[The Sunday Times]], January 27, 2008</ref> The simulator also runs with animation, allowing objects (for example: planes])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/08/planes_for_google_earth_flight_simu.html |title=Planes For Google Earth Flight Simulator | Google Earth Blog |publisher=Gearthblog.com |date= |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> to animate while on the simulator. Using Programming Language<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Google-Earth-Pro-Flight-Simulator/437681929609766?ref=hl |title=Google Earth Pro Flight Simulator – Boeing 737-800 |publisher=Gearthhacks.com |date= |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> to make it look like the cockpit of a plane, or for instrument landing. |
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===Sky mode=== |
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{{Main|Google Sky}} |
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[[Image:Google Earth Sky.png|thumb|right|Google Earth in Sky Viewing Mode]] |
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'''[[Google Sky]]''' is a feature that was introduced in Google Earth 4.2 on August 22, 2007, and allows users to view [[star]]s and other [[celestial bodies]].<ref>{{cite web | title =Explore the sky with Google Earth | publisher =Google | date= 2007-08-22 | url =http://earth.google.com/sky/skyedu.html | accessdate =2007-08-22 }}</ref> It was produced by [[Google]] through a partnership with the [[Space Telescope Science Institute]] (STScI) in Baltimore, the science operations center for the [[Hubble Space Telescope]]. Dr. [[Alberto Conti]] and his co-developer Dr. [[Carol Christian]] of STScI plan to add the public images from 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn12523 |title=Celestial add-on points Google Earth at the stars – tech – August 22, 2007 – New Scientist Tech |publisher=Technology.newscientist.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> as well as color images of all of the archived data from Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys. Newly released [[Hubble Space Telescope|Hubble]] pictures will be added to the Google Sky program as soon as they are issued. New features such as multi-wavelength data, positions of major satellites and their orbits as well as educational resources will be provided to the Google Earth community and also through Christian and Conti's website for Sky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hubblesite.org/explore_astronomy/gsky/ |title=Explore Astronomy – gSky Browser |publisher=HubbleSite |date= |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> Also visible on Sky mode are constellations, stars, galaxies and animations depicting the planets in their orbits. A real-time Google Sky [[Mashup (web application hybrid)|mashup]] of recent astronomical transients, using the [[VOEvent]] protocol, is being provided by the VOEventNet<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voeventnet.org/ |title=はっぴーめーる |publisher=Voeventnet.org |date= |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> collaboration. Google's Earth maps are being updated each 5 minutes. |
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Google Sky faces competition<ref>{{cite web|last=Olsen |first=Stefanie |url=http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9881229-1.html |title=WorldWide Telescope peers into Big Dipper | Crave – CNET |publisher=Crave.cnet.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> from [[Microsoft WorldWide Telescope]] (which runs only under the [[Microsoft Windows]] operating systems) and from [[Stellarium (computer program)|Stellarium]], a free open source planetarium that runs under Microsoft Windows, [[OS X]], and [[Linux]]. |
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On March 13, 2008, Google made a web-based version<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com/sky/ |title=Google Sky |publisher=Google.com |date= |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> of Google Sky available via the internet. |
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===Street View=== |
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{{Main|Google Street View}} |
{{Main|Google Street View}} |
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On April 15, 2008, with version 4.3, Google fully integrated [[Google Street View|Street View]] into Google Earth.<ref name="PCM4.3">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2293967,00.asp|magazine=PC Magazine|date=May 6, 2008|access-date=January 1, 2018|first=Tony|last=Hoffman|title=Google Earth 4.3|archive-date=February 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221002129/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2293967,00.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> Street View displays 360° panoramic street-level photos of select cities and their surroundings. The photos were taken by cameras mounted on automobiles, can be viewed at different scales and from many angles, and are navigable by arrow icons imposed on them. |
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On April 15, 2008 with version 4.3, Google fully integrated its [[Google Street View|Street View]] into Google Earth. In version 6.0, the photo zooming function has been removed because it is incompatible with the new 'seamless' navigation. |
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Using Street View on Google Earth, users can visit and explore 30 UNESCO [[World Heritage Sites]] with historical context and pins for each. The sites include the [[Great Pyramid]], the [[Taj Mahal]], [[Sagrada Família]], the [[Dolomites]], the [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew]], and the [[Great Sphinx]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/google-earth-visit-historical-world-heritage-sites-while-social-distancing-2020-3#16-the-great-sphinx-of-giza-stands-along-the-nile-river-16|title=Check out 30 famous World Heritage sites you can virtually visit on Google Earth while social distancing|publisher=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=March 22, 2020|archive-date=March 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321194121/https://www.businessinsider.com/google-earth-visit-historical-world-heritage-sites-while-social-distancing-2020-3#16-the-great-sphinx-of-giza-stands-along-the-nile-river-16|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Google Street View provides 360° panoramic street-level views and allows users to view parts of selected cities and their surrounding metropolitan areas at ground level. When it was launched on May 25, 2007 for [[Google Maps]], only five cities were included. It has since expanded to more than 40 U.S. cities, and includes the suburbs of many, and in some cases, other nearby cities. Recent updates have now implemented Street View in most of the major cities of Australia and New Zealand as well as parts of Canada, parts of South Africa, Denmark, Mexico, Japan, Norway, Finland, Spain, Sweden, France, the UK, Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Taiwan, and Singapore. |
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In 2019, Walt Disney World and Pixar partnered with Google to create Pixar Street View. A unique activation that enabled viewers to search for hidden Pixar Easter eggs inside Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios through street view. This creative collaboration elevated Pixar's iconic tradition of hiding Easter eggs in films and introduced it to an immersive new platform.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/07/pixar-easter-eggs-hidden-in-google-street-view-imagery-of-toy-story-land-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/|title=Pixar Easter Eggs Hidden in Google Street View Imagery of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios|website=Disney Parks Blog|date=July 5, 2019 |access-date=October 9, 2020|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105065055/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/07/pixar-easter-eggs-hidden-in-google-street-view-imagery-of-toy-story-land-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Google Street View, when operated, displays photos that were previously taken by a camera mounted on an automobile, and can be navigated by using the mouse to click on photograph icons displayed on the screen in the user's direction of travel. Using these devices, the photos can be viewed in different sizes, from any direction, and from a variety of angles. |
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===Water and ocean=== |
=== Water and ocean === |
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Introduced in |
Introduced in Google Earth 5.0 in 2009, the Google Ocean feature allows users to zoom below the surface of the ocean and view the 3D [[bathymetry]]. Supporting over 20 content layers, it contains information from leading scientists and [[Oceanography|oceanographers]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7865407.stm | work=BBC News | title=Google Earth dives under the sea | date=February 2, 2009 | access-date=May 3, 2010 | archive-date=March 10, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310191619/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7865407.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> On April 14, 2009, Google added bathymetric data for the [[Great Lakes]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://maps.googleblog.com/2009/04/google-earth-now-includes-us-third.html|title=Google Earth now includes US "Third Coast"|newspaper=Google Lat Long |access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=January 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111210646/http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/04/google-earth-now-includes-us-third.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/01/new_view_of_ocean_floor_in_google_e.html |title=New View of Ocean Floor in Google Earth |work=Gearthblog.com |access-date=August 25, 2010 |date=January 18, 2009 |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803163301/https://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/01/new_view_of_ocean_floor_in_google_e.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In June 2011, |
In June 2011, Google increased the resolution of some deep ocean floor areas from 1-kilometer grids to 100 meters.<ref name= "Ocean">{{cite web |url=http://www.earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/2814 |title=New Google Ocean Maps Dive Deep |publisher=The Earth Institute – Columbia University |date=June 8, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2012 |archive-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405105746/http://www.earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/2814 |url-status=live }}</ref> The high-resolution features were developed by oceanographers at Columbia University's Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory from scientific data collected on research cruises. The sharper focus is available for about 5 percent of the oceans. This can be seen in the Hudson off New York City, the Wini Seamount near Hawaii, and the [[Mendocino Fracture Zone|Mendocino Ridge]] off the U.S. Pacific coast.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/06/see-seafloor-like-never-before-on-world.html |title=Google Lat Long: See the seafloor like never before on World Oceans Day |publisher=Google-latlong.blogspot.com |date=June 8, 2011 |access-date=June 15, 2013 |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621014531/http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/06/see-seafloor-like-never-before-on-world.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== |
==Outer space== |
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[[File:Google Earth Mars.png|thumb|A picture of [[Mars|Martian]] landscape]] |
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Introduced in version 5.0, Historical Imagery allows users to traverse back in time and study earlier stages of any place. This feature allows research that require analysis of past records of various places.<ref name="Dive into New Google Earth">{{cite web | url = http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/dive-into-new-google-earth.html | title = Dive into New Google Earth | accessdate = 2009-02-03 }}</ref> |
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[[File:Google Earth Sky.png|thumb|right|Google Earth in Sky Viewing Mode]] |
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[[File:Ziggurat 1993-2009.JPG|thumb|A side-by-side comparison of [[The Ziggurat]] and [[Raley Field]] in [[West Sacramento, California]] from 1993 on the left and 2009 on the right. As shown in the 1993 side both the Ziggurat and Raley Field do not exist.]] |
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[[File:Google moon 1.jpg|thumb|[[Apollo 11]] [[Lunar Module Eagle|Lunar Module ''Eagle'']] and [[Tranquility Base]] as portrayed in Google Moon]] |
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Google has programs and features, including within Google Earth, allowing exploration of [[Mars]], the [[Moon]], the view of the sky from Earth and [[outer space]], including the surfaces of various objects in the [[Solar System]]. |
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===Mars=== |
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{{Main|Google Mars}} |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Google Mars R Osman.jpg|left|thumb|A high resolution view of [[Victoria Crater]] displayed in 3D using the Mars feature on Google Earth 5]] --> |
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Google Earth 5 includes a separate globe of the planet Mars, that can be viewed and analysed for research purposes. The maps are of a much higher resolution than those on the browser version of [[Google Mars]] and it also includes 3D renderings of the Martian terrain. There are also some extremely high resolution images from the [[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]]'s [[HiRISE]] camera that are of a similar resolution to those of the cities on Earth. Finally, there are many high resolution panoramic images from various Mars landers, such as the [[Mars Exploration Rovers]], [[Spirit Rover|Spirit]] and [[Opportunity Rover|Opportunity]], that can be viewed in a similar way to [[Google Street View]]. Interestingly enough, layers on Google Earth (such as World Population Density) can also be applied to Mars. Layers of Mars can also be applied onto Earth. Mars also has a small application found near the face on Mars. It is called Meliza, and features a chat between the user and an automatic robot speaker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2009/02/chat-with-martian-in-google-earth-5.html |title=Chat With a Martian in Google Earth 5 |publisher=Googlesystem.blogspot.com |date=2009-02-03 |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> It is useful for research on Mars, but is not recommended for normal conversations. |
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=== |
===Google Sky=== |
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Google Sky is a feature that was introduced in Google Earth 4.2 on August 22, 2007, in a browser-based application on March 13, 2008,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/sky/ |title=Google Sky |access-date=July 30, 2012 |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731051817/http://www.google.com/sky/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and to [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[smartphone]]s, with [[augmented reality]] features. Google Sky allows users to view [[star]]s and other celestial bodies.<ref>{{cite web | title =Explore the sky with Google Earth | date =August 22, 2007 | url =http://earth.google.com/sky/skyedu.html | access-date =August 22, 2007 | archive-date =July 3, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120703051038/http://earth.google.com/sky/skyedu.html | url-status =live }}</ref> It was produced by [[Google]] through a partnership with the [[Space Telescope Science Institute]] (STScI) in Baltimore, the science operations center for the [[Hubble Space Telescope]]. [[Alberto Conti]] and his co-developer Carol Christian of STScI planned to add the public images from 2007,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn12523 |title=Celestial add-on points Google Earth at the stars – tech – August 22, 2007 – New Scientist Tech |publisher=Technology.newscientist.com |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-date=September 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916084159/http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn12523 |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as color images of all of the archived data from Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys. Then-newly released [[Hubble Space Telescope|Hubble]] pictures were added to the Google Sky program as soon as they were issued. |
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{{Main|Google Moon}} |
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[[File:Google moon 1.jpg|thumb|One of the lunar landers viewed in [[Google Moon]]]] |
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On July 20, 2009, the 40th anniversary of the [[Apollo 11]] mission, Google introduced the Google Earth version of [[Google Moon]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/07/look_at_the_moon_in_google_earth_-.html |title=Look at the Moon in Google Earth – Available Now! | Google Earth Blog |publisher=Gearthblog.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> which allows users to view satellite images of the [[Moon]]. It was announced and demonstrated to a group of invited guests by Google along with [[Buzz Aldrin]] at the [[Newseum]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/07/google_earth_event_on_july_20th_in.html |title=Google Earth Event on July 20th in DC – Expect the Moon | Google Earth Blog |publisher=Gearthblog.com |date=2009-07-09 |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/07/fly-yourself-to-moon.html |title=Google LatLong: Fly yourself to the moon |publisher=Google-latlong.blogspot.com |date=2009-07-20 |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> |
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New features such as multi-wavelength data, positions of major satellites and their [[orbits]] as well as educational resources are provided to the Google Earth community and also through Christian and Conti's website for Sky.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hubblesite.org/explore_astronomy/gsky/ |title=Explore Astronomy – gSky Browser |publisher=HubbleSite |access-date=July 30, 2012 |archive-date=February 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225105616/http://hubblesite.org/explore_astronomy/gsky/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Also visible on Sky mode are constellations, stars, galaxies, and animations depicting the planets in their orbits. A real-time Google Sky [[Mashup (web application hybrid)|mashup]] of recent astronomical transients, using the [[VOEvent]] protocol, is provided by the VOEventNet collaboration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2007/09/06_GoogleSky.shtml|title=Astronomers eager to add to Sky in Google Earth|publisher=University of California Berkeley|access-date=December 3, 2017|date=September 6, 2007|archive-date=December 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204061313/http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2007/09/06_GoogleSky.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Other programs similar to Google Sky include [[Microsoft WorldWide Telescope]] and [[Stellarium (software)|Stellarium]]. |
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===Google Earth Engine=== |
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[[Google Earth Engine]] is a separate product, not a part of Google Earth. |
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=== |
===Google Mars=== |
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Google Mars is an application within Google Earth that is a version of the program for imagery of the planet Mars. Google also operates a browser-based version, although the maps are of a much higher resolution within Google Earth, and include 3D terrain, as well as [[infrared]] imagery and elevation data. There are also some extremely high-resolution images from the [[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]]'s [[HiRISE]] camera that are of a similar resolution to those of the cities on Earth. Finally, there are many high-resolution panoramic images from various Mars landers, such as the [[Mars Exploration Rovers]], ''[[Spirit Rover|Spirit]]'' and ''[[Opportunity Rover|Opportunity]]'', that can be viewed in a similar way to [[Google Street View]]. |
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Mars also has a small application found near the [[face on Mars]]. It is called Meliza, a robot character the user can speak with.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2009/02/chat-with-martian-in-google-earth-5.html |title=Chat With a Martian in Google Earth 5 |publisher=Googlesystem.blogspot.com |date=February 3, 2009 |access-date=July 30, 2012 |archive-date=January 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119173453/http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2009/02/chat-with-martian-in-google-earth-5.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[Liquid Galaxy]] is a cluster of computers running Google Earth creating an [[Immersive technology|immersive experience]]. It began as a Google 20% project {{clarify|date=August 2012}} by Google engineers. On September 30, 2010, Google made the configuration and schematics for their rigs public,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/09/galaxy-of-your-own.html|title=A galaxy of your own|publisher=Google-latlong.blogspot.com |date=2010-09-30 |accessdate=2012-03-10}}</ref> placing code and setup guides on the Liquid Galaxy wiki.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://code.google.com/p/liquid-galaxy/| title=Liquid Galaxy wiki on code.google.com| date=2010-09-30 |accessdate=2012-03-10}}</ref> |
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== |
===Google Moon=== |
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Originally a browser application, Google Moon is a feature that allows exploration of the Moon. Google brought the feature to Google Earth for the 40th anniversary of the [[Apollo 11]] mission on July 20, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/07/look_at_the_moon_in_google_earth_-.html |title=Look at the Moon in Google Earth – Available Now! | Google Earth Blog |publisher=Gearthblog.com |access-date=August 25, 2010 |date=July 20, 2009 |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201141207/https://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/07/look_at_the_moon_in_google_earth_-.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was announced and demonstrated to a group of invited guests by Google along with [[Buzz Aldrin]] at the [[Newseum]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/07/google_earth_event_on_july_20th_in.html |title=Google Earth Event on July 20th in DC – Expect the Moon | Google Earth Blog |publisher=Gearthblog.com |date=July 9, 2009 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803163236/https://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/07/google_earth_event_on_july_20th_in.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/07/fly-yourself-to-moon.html |title=Google LatLong: Fly yourself to the moon |publisher=Google-latlong.blogspot.com |date=July 20, 2009 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301162718/http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/07/fly-yourself-to-moon.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Google Moon includes several tours, including one for the [[Apollo program|Apollo missions]], incorporating maps, videos, and Street View-style panoramas, all provided by [[NASA]]. |
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Google Earth can be traced directly back to a small company named [[Autometric]], now a part of [[Boeing]]. A team at Autometric, led by Robert Cowling, created a visualization product named Edge Whole Earth. Bob demonstrated Edge to Michael T. Jones. Chris Tanner, and others at SGI in 1996. Several other visualization products using imagery existed at the time, including Performer-based ones, but Michael T. Jones stated emphatically that he had "never thought of the complexities of rendering an entire globe..." The catch phrase "from outer space to in your face" was coined by Autometric President Dan Gordon, and used to explain his concept for personal/local/global range. Edge blazed a trail as well in broadcasting, being used in 1997 on [[CBS News]] with [[Dan Rather]], in print for rendering large images draped over terrain for [[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]], and used for special effects in the feature film ''[[Shadow Conspiracy]]'' in 1997. In 2000, Edge Viewer was made available through the [[National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency]] for free. |
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== Other features == |
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Gordon was a huge fan of the ‘Earth’ program described in [[Neal Stephenson]]'s [[sci-fi]] classic ''[[Snow Crash]]''. Indeed, a Google Earth co-founder claimed that Google Earth was modeled after ''Snow Crash'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.webuser.co.uk/news/227346.html |title=Google Earth interview |publisher=Web User |date=2008-04-11 |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> while another co-founder said it was inspired by the short science education film ''[[Powers of Ten]]''.<ref name="google_earth1">{{cite web|url=http://www.brownianemotion.org/2006/07/24/notes-on-the-origin-of-google-earth/ |title=Avi Bar-Ze’ev (from Keyhole, the precursor to Google Earth) on origin of Google Earth |publisher=Brownianemotion.org |date= |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> In fact Google Earth was at least partly inspired by a [[Silicon Graphics]] demo called "From Outer Space to in Your Face" which zoomed from space into the [[Swiss Alps]] then into the [[Matterhorn]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bnhsu.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/google-earth-from-space-to-your-face%E2%80%A6and-beyond/ |title=Google Earth: From Space to Your Face...and Beyond |publisher=Bnhsu.wordpress.com |date=2007-04-30 |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> This launch demo was hosted by an [[SGI Origin 3000 and Onyx 3000|Onyx 3000]] with [[InfiniteReality#InfiniteReality4|InfiniteReality4]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.futuretech.blinkenlights.nl/ir_techreport.html |title=Infinite Reality Technical Report |publisher=Futuretech.blinkenlights.nl |date= |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> graphics, which supported [[Clip Mapping]] and was inspired by the hardware texture paging capability (although it did not use the Clip Mapping) and "Powers of Ten". The first Google Earth implementation called Earth Viewer emerged from [[Intrinsic Graphics]] as a demonstration of Chris Tanner's software based implementation of a [[Clip Mapping]] texture paging system and was spun off as Keyhole Inc. Earth Viewer was the inevitable ultimate realization of the capabilities of a seamless texture paging system and many of the individuals working on Earth Viewer were Silicon Graphics alumni. |
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Google Earth has numerous features that allow the user to learn about specific places. These are called "layers", and include different forms of media, including photo and video. Some layers include tours, which guide the user between specific places in a set order. Layers are created using the [[Keyhole Markup Language]], or KML, which users can also use to create customized layers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://developers.google.com/kml/ |title=Keyhole Markup Language — Google Developers |date=March 1, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2013 |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512023723/https://developers.google.com/kml/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Locations can be marked with placemarks and organized in folders; For example, a user can use placemarks to list interesting landmarks around the globe, then provide a description with photos and videos, which can be viewed by clicking on the placemarks while viewing the new layer in the application. |
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In December 2006, Google Earth added a new integration with [[Wikipedia]] and [[Panoramio]]. For the Wikipedia layer, entries are [[Web scraping|scraped]] for coordinates via the {{self-reference link|Template:Coord|Coord templates}}. There is also a community layer from the project [[:de:Wikipedia:WikiProjekt Georeferenzierung/Wikipedia-World/en|Wikipedia-World]]. More coordinates are used, different types are in the display, and different languages are supported than the built-in Wikipedia layer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tools.wikimedia.de/~kolossos/world-link.php?lang=en |title=Earth |access-date=November 19, 2012 |archive-date=April 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404143101/http://tools.wikimedia.de/~kolossos/world-link.php?lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.webkuehn.de/hobbys/wikipedia/geokoordinaten/index.htm |title=Homepage von Stefan Kühn |publisher=webkuehn.de |access-date=July 30, 2012 |archive-date=March 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309024346/http://www.webkuehn.de/hobbys/wikipedia/geokoordinaten/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The Panoramio layer features pictures uploaded by Panoramio users, placed in Google Earth based on user-provided location data. In addition to flat images, Google Earth also includes a layer for user-submitted panoramic photos, navigable in a similar way to Street View. |
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==Technical specifications== |
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Detailed release notes/history/changelog are made available by Google.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earth.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=40901 |title=Google Earth Release Notes / Changelog History |publisher=Earth.google.com |date=2010-06-16 |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> |
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Google Earth includes multiple features that allow the user to monitor current events. In 2007, Google began offering users the ability to monitor traffic data provided by [[Google Traffic]] in real-time, based on information [[Crowdsourcing|crowdsourced]] from the GPS-identified locations of cell phone users.<ref>{{cite web | last = Wang | first = David | title = Stuck in traffic? | date = February 28, 2007 | url = http://googleblog.blogspot.ca/2007/02/stuck-in-traffic.html | access-date = February 14, 2014 | archive-date = February 12, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170212190835/https://googleblog.blogspot.ca/2007/02/stuck-in-traffic.html | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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===Imagery and coordination=== |
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* Coordinate System and Projection |
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** The internal coordinate system of Google Earth is geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude) on the [[WGS84|World Geodetic System]] of 1984 (WGS84) datum. |
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** Google Earth shows the earth as it looks from an elevated platform such as an airplane or orbiting satellite. The projection used to achieve this effect is called the [[General Perspective Projection|General Perspective]]. This is similar to the [[Orthographic projection (cartography)|Orthographic projection]], except that the point of perspective is a finite (near earth) distance rather than an infinite (deep space) distance. |
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* Baseline resolutions |
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** Czech Republic: 0.1 – 0.5 m (by Eurosense / Geodis Brno) |
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** Slovakia: 0.5 m (by Eurosense / Geodis Slovakia) |
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** Hungary: 2.5 m SPOT Images. Budapest approx. 0.3 m. |
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** Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Denmark, UK, Andorra, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Vatican City: 1 m or better |
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** Balkans: 2.5 m (medium resolution) |
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** U.S.: 1 m (excludes Alaska & Hawaii) |
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** Global: Generally 15 m (some areas, such as [[Antarctica]], are in extremely low resolution), but this depends on the quality of the satellite/aerial photograph uploaded. |
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* Typical high resolutions |
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** Europe: 0.3 m, 0.15 m (e.g. Berlin, [[Zurich]], [[Hamburg]]), 0.1 m [[Prague]] |
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** U.S.: 1 m, 0.6 m, 0.3 m, 0.15 m (extremely rare; e.g. [[Cambridge, Massachusetts|Cambridge]] and Google Campus, or [[Glendale, California|Glendale]]) |
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* Altitude resolution: |
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** Surface: varies by country |
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** Seabed: Not previously applicable, but since the introduction of "Ocean", elevation data has been introduced (a colorscale approximating sea floor depth is "printed" on the spherical surface at views from high altitudes). |
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* Age: Images dates vary. The image data can be seen from squares made when DigitalGlobe Coverage is enabled. The date next to the copyright information is not the correct image date. Zooming in or out could change the date of the pictures. Most of the international urban image dates are from 2004 and have not been updated. However, most US images are kept current. Google announces imagery updates on their LatLong Blog<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earth.google.com/sky/skyedu.html |title=Google Earth |publisher=Earth.google.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> in form of a quiz, with hints of the updated locations. The answers are posted some days later in the same blog. |
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=== Flight simulators === |
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===Hardware and software=== |
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[[File:Toronto downtown.png|right|thumb|[[Downtown Toronto]] as seen from an [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] during a simulated flight]] |
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Google Earth is unlikely to operate on older hardware configurations. The most recent system requirements update<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earth.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=20701 |title=System Requirements for Google Earth: Getting Started – Google Earth Help |publisher=Earth.google.com |date= |accessdate=2011-08-06}}</ref> document these minimum configurations: |
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* [[Pentium 3]], 500 [[MHz]] |
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* 256 [[Megabyte]]s of [[Random Access Memory|RAM]] |
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* 400 MB free [[hard drive|disk]] space |
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* Network speed: 128 kbit/s |
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* 64 MB DirectX9 and 3D capable [[graphics card]] |
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* Resolution of 1024x768, 16-bit High Color – DirectX 9 (to run in Direct X mode) |
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* [[Windows 2000]], [[Windows XP]], [[Windows Vista]], [[Windows 7]], [[Linux]] or [[OS X]] |
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In Google Earth 4.2, a [[flight simulator]] was added to the application. It was originally a [[Easter egg (media)#Software|hidden feature]] when introduced in 2007, but starting with 4.3, it was given a labeled option in the menu. In addition to keyboard control, the simulator can be controlled with a mouse or joystick.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.google.com/earth/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=148089 |title=Use Google Earth flight simulator – Google Earth Help |access-date=June 15, 2013 |archive-date=May 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528063027/http://support.google.com/earth/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=148089 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article3250643.ece Webwise: Google's flight simulator]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ''[[The Sunday Times]]'', January 27, 2008</ref> The simulator also runs with animation, allowing objects such as planes to animate while on the simulator.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/08/planes_for_google_earth_flight_simu.html |title=Planes For Google Earth Flight Simulator | Google Earth Blog |publisher=Gearthblog.com |access-date=July 30, 2012 |date=August 11, 2009 |archive-date=September 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930235428/http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2009/08/planes_for_google_earth_flight_simu.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The most likely cause of failure is insufficient video RAM: the software is designed to warn the user if their graphics card is not able to support Earth (this often occurs due to insufficient [[Video RAM]] or buggy graphics card drivers). The next most likely mode of failure is Internet access speed. Fast [[broadband Internet]] (Cable, DSL, T1, etc.) is required. |
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Another flight simulator, [[GeoFS]], was created under the name GEFS-Online using the Google Earth Plug-in [[API]] to operate within a [[web browser]]. As of September 1, 2015, the program now uses the open-source program CesiumJS, due to the Google Earth Plug-in being discontinued.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cesiumjs.org/2016/07/12/Moving-GEFS-Online-from-Google-Earth-to-Cesium/|title=Moving GEFS Online from Google Earth to Cesium|work=Cesium Blog|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-date=June 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615135618/http://cesiumjs.org/2016/07/12/Moving-GEFS-Online-from-Google-Earth-to-Cesium/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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====Linux specifications==== |
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;Minimum System Requirements:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html |title=Google Earth |publisher=Earth.google.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> |
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* Kernel: 2.4 or later |
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* CPU: Pentium III, 500 MHz |
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* System Memory (RAM): 128 MB |
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* Hard Disk: 400 MB free space |
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* Network Speed: 128 kbit/s |
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* Screen: 1024x768, 16 bit color |
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* Tested and works on the following distributions: |
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{| cellspacing="0" style="padding-left:10px" |
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|- |
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{{columns-list|2| |
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* [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]] 5.10 or later |
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* [[SUSE Linux|SUSE]] 10.1 or later |
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* [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora Core]] 4 or later |
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* [[Linspire]] 5.1 |
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* [[Gentoo Linux|Gentoo]] 2006.0 |
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* [[Debian]] 3.1/4 |
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* [[Red Hat]] 9 |
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* [[Slackware]] 11.0 |
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* [[FreeBSD]] 6.1/7.0 with Linux Emulation |
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* [[Arch Linux]] 0.7.2 Duke |
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* [[Xandros]] 3.0.3 Business Edition |
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* [[Mandriva]] 2007 |
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* [[Sabayon Linux]] 3.26 |
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* [[PCLinuxOS]] 5.0 |
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* [[PC/OS]] 7.10 |
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}} |
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=== |
=== Liquid Galaxy === |
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{{Main|Liquid Galaxy}} |
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As of Google Earth 5, the contents of description balloons, which are created in KML using [[JavaScript]] and [[Iframes|iFrames]], are rendered with an embedded [[WebKit]] engine.<ref>[http://code.google.com/apis/kml/documentation/kmlreference.html#description KML Reference Documentation – <nowiki><description></nowiki>]</ref> |
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Liquid Galaxy is a cluster of computers running Google Earth creating an [[Immersive technology|immersive experience]]. On September 30, 2010, Google made the configuration and schematics for their rigs public,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/09/galaxy-of-your-own.html|title=A galaxy of your own|publisher=Google-latlong.blogspot.com|date=September 30, 2010|access-date=March 10, 2012|archive-date=March 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330010016/http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/09/galaxy-of-your-own.html|url-status=live}}</ref> placing code and setup guides on the Liquid Galaxy wiki.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://code.google.com/p/liquid-galaxy/|title=Liquid Galaxy wiki on code.google.com|date=September 30, 2010|access-date=March 10, 2012|archive-date=March 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330013036/http://code.google.com/p/liquid-galaxy/|url-status=live}}</ref> Liquid Galaxy has also been used as a panoramic photo viewer using KRpano, as well as a Google Street View viewer using Peruse-a-Rue<ref>{{cite web| url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/liquid-galaxy/z0VXsLhimsw| title=Peruse-a-Rue: Street View for Liquid Galaxy| date=September 3, 2013| access-date=November 20, 2013| archive-date=January 22, 2011| archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20110122130054/https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/liquid-galaxy/z0VXsLhimsw| url-status=live}}</ref> Peruse-a-Rue is a method for synchronizing multiple [[Google Maps#Google Maps API|Maps API]] clients.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://blog.endpoint.com/2013/11/liquid-galaxy-and-its-very-own-street.html| title=Liquid Galaxy and its Very Own Street View App| date=November 9, 2013| access-date=November 20, 2013| archive-date=November 19, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119072532/http://blog.endpoint.com/2013/11/liquid-galaxy-and-its-very-own-street.html| url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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== Versions == |
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==Versions and variations== |
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{{Missing information|the specific versions and their respective differences|date=January 2023}} |
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Google Earth has been released on [[macOS]], [[Linux]], [[iOS]], and [[Android (operating system)|Android]]. The [[Linux]] version began with the version 4 beta of Google Earth, as a native port using the [[Qt (software)|Qt toolkit]]. The [[Free Software Foundation]] considers the development of a free compatible client for Google Earth to be a [[High Priority Free Software Projects|High Priority Free Software Project]].<ref>[http://www.fsf.org/campaigns/priority.html FSF.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810230457/http://www.fsf.org/campaigns/priority.html |date=August 10, 2007 }}: High Priority Free Software Projects</ref> Google Earth was released for Android on February 22, 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/02/google-earth-now-available-for-android.html |title=Google Earth now available for Android |publisher=google-latlong.blogspot.com |access-date=August 15, 2010 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305005350/http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/02/google-earth-now-available-for-android.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and on iOS on October 27, 2008.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/google-earth-co.html| title=Google Earth Comes to the iPhone| magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]| date=October 27, 2008| last=Sorrel| first=Charlie| access-date=October 27, 2008| archive-date=April 22, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422203231/http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/google-earth-co.html| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2008/10/google-earth-now-available-for-iphone.html| title=Google Earth now available for the iPhone| publisher=Google Mobile team| date=October 27, 2008| access-date=October 27, 2008| archive-date=February 4, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204174125/http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2008/10/google-earth-now-available-for-iphone.html| url-status=live}}</ref> The mobile versions of Google Earth can make use of [[multi-touch]] interfaces to move on the globe, zoom or rotate the view, and allow to select the current location. An automotive version of Google Earth was made available in the 2010 [[Audi A8]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Redmer |first=Jens |url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/12/google-audi-take-google-services-in-car.html |title=Google LatLong: Google & Audi take Google services in a car to the next level in the new Audi A8 |publisher=Google-latlong.blogspot.com |date=December 16, 2009 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-date=October 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017055435/http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/12/google-audi-take-google-services-in-car.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 27, 2020, Google opened up its web-based version of Earth to browsers like Firefox, Edge, and Opera.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/27/21155707/google-earth-firefox-edge-opera-support-webassembly-code-update-web-release|title=Google Earth finally available in browsers other than Chrome|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=February 27, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227123743/https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/27/21155707/google-earth-firefox-edge-opera-support-webassembly-code-update-web-release|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2020/02/27/google-earth-web-assembly-firefox-edge-opera/|title=Google Earth finally works on Firefox, Edge and Opera browsers|website=Engadget|date=February 27, 2020 |language=en|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228003626/https://www.engadget.com/2020/02/27/google-earth-web-assembly-firefox-edge-opera/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:95%;" |
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===Release timeline=== |
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|+Version history |
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[[Image:KmlHistoryTimeline.png|thumb|400px|Illustrates timeline of KML and Google Earth history]] |
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|- |
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* Keyhole Earthviewer 1.0 – June 11, 2001 |
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! style="width:8%" | Version |
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* Keyhole Earthviewer 1.3 – January 1, 2002 |
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! style="width:10%" | Release date |
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* Keyhole Earthviewer 1.7 – February 2002 |
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! style="width:82%;" | Changes |
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* Keyhole LT 1.7.1 – August 26, 2003 |
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|- |
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* Keyhole NV 1.7.2 – October 16, 2003 |
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|1.0 |
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* Keyhole 2.2 – August 19, 2004 |
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|June 10, 2001 |
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* Google Earth 3.0 – June 28, 2005 |
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| |
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* Google Earth 4.0 – June 11, 2006 |
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|- |
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* Google Earth 4.1 – May 29, 2007 |
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|1.4 |
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* Google Earth 4.2 – August 23, 2007 |
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|January 2002 |
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* Google Earth 4.3 – April 15, 2008 |
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| |
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* Google Earth 5.0 – May 5, 2009 |
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|- |
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* Google Earth 5.1 – November 18, 2009 |
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|1.6 |
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* Google Earth 5.2 – July 1, 2010 |
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|February 2003 |
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* Google Earth 6.0 – March 29, 2011 |
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| |
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* Google Earth 6.1 – October 21, 2011 |
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|- |
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* Google Earth 6.2 – April 11, 2012 |
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|1.7.2 |
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* Google Earth 7.0 – June 27, 2012 (Android and iOS platform only) |
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|October 2003 |
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* Google Earth 7.0 – October 31, 2012 (Desktop) |
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| |
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|- |
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===Mac version=== |
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|2.2 |
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A version for [[OS X]] was released on January 10, 2006, and is available for download from the Google Earth website. With a few exceptions noted below, the Mac version appears to be stable and complete, with virtually all the same functionality as the original Windows version. |
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|August 2004 |
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| |
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Screenshots and an actual binary of the Mac version had been leaked to the Internet on December 8, 2005. The leaked version was significantly incomplete. Among other things, neither the Help menu nor its "Display License" feature worked, indicating that this version was intended for Google's internal use only. Google released no statement regarding the leak. |
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|- |
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|3.0 |
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The Mac version runs only under OS X version [[Mac OS X v10.3|10.3]] or later. There is no embedded browser, no direct interface to [[Gmail]] and no full screen option. As of January 2009 there are a few bugs concerning the menu bar when switching between applications and a few bugs concerning annotation balloons and printing. |
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|June 2005 |
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| |
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From version 4.1.7076.4558 (released on May 9, 2007) onward OS X users can, among other new features, upgrade to the "Plus" version via an option in the Google Earth menu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/20124|title=Google Earth 4.2.180.1134 – MacUpdate}}</ref> Some users reported difficulties with Google Earth crashing in the then current version when zooming in.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/SupportGEMac|title=Google Earth Community: Viewing forum: Google Earth for Mac OS X}}</ref> |
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*The first version was released after Google acquired Keyhole, Inc. |
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|- |
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===Linux version=== |
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|4.0 |
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Starting with the version 4 beta Google Earth functions under [[Linux]], as a native port using the [[Qt (toolkit)|Qt toolkit]]. It is [[proprietary software]] specifically in order to impose [[Digital Rights Management]];{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}} the [[Free Software Foundation]] consider the development of a free compatible client for Google Earth to be a [[High Priority Free Software Projects|High Priority Free Software Project]].<ref>[http://www.fsf.org/campaigns/priority.html FSF.org]: High Priority Free Software Projects</ref> |
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|June 2006 |
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| |
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===Android version=== |
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[[File:GoogleEarthforandroid.png|thumb|150px|Google Earth on android (Version 7.0.0)]] An Android version was released on Monday, February 22, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/02/google-earth-now-available-for-android.html |title=Google Earth now available for Android |publisher=google-latlong.blogspot.com}}</ref> |
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===iOS version=== |
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[[File:Google Earth iOS logo.png|thumb|150px|Google Earth iOS version icon]] |
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A version for the [[iOS (Apple)|iOS]], which runs on the [[iPhone]], [[iPod Touch]] and the [[iPad]], was released for free on the [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]] on October 27, 2008.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/google-earth-co.html| title=Google Earth Comes to the iPhone|publisher=''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]''| date=2008-10-27|last=Sorrel|first=Charlie| accessdate=2008-10-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2008/10/google-earth-now-available-for-iphone.html| title=Google Earth now available for the iPhone|publisher=Google Mobile team| date=2008-10-27| accessdate=2008-10-27}}</ref> It makes use of the [[multi-touch]] interface to move on the globe, zoom or rotate the view, and allow to select the current location using the iPhone integrated [[Assisted GPS]]. Although it previously did not support any layers apart from Wikipedia and Panoramio, version 6.2 brought KML support to add additional layers. Version 7 introduced 3d modeling of several cities.<ref>{{cite web|last=Golson|first=Jordan|title=Google Earth for iOS Update Adds Support for KML Files|url=http://www.macrumors.com/2012/03/21/google-earth-for-ios-update-adds-support-for-kml-files/|publisher=Mac Rumors|accessdate=18 May 2012}}</ref> |
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===Google Earth Plus=== |
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Discontinued in December 2008, Google Earth Plus was an individual-oriented paid subscription upgrade to Google Earth that provided customers with the following features, most of which are now available in the free Google Earth: |
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* [[GPS]] integration: read tracks and waypoints from a [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] device. A variety of third party applications have been created which provide this functionality using the basic version of Google Earth by generating KML or KMZ files based on user-specified or user-recorded waypoints. However, Google Earth Plus provides direct support for the [[Thales Navigation|Magellan]] and [[Garmin]] product lines, which together hold a large share of the GPS market.<br> The Linux version of the Google Earth Plus application does not include any GPS functionality. |
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* Higher resolution printing. |
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* Customer support via email. |
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* Data importer: read address points from [[Comma-separated values|CSV]] files; limited to 100 points/addresses. A feature allowing path and polygon annotations, which can be exported to [[Keyhole Markup Language|KML]], was formerly only available to Plus users, but was made free in version 4.0.2416. |
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* Higher data download speeds |
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===Google Earth Pro=== |
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For a $399 annual subscription fee, Google Earth Pro is a business-oriented upgrade to Google Earth that has more features than the Plus version. The Pro version includes add-on software such as: |
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* Movie making. |
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* GIS data importer. |
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* Advanced printing modules. |
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* Radius and area measurements |
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Originally, these features cost extra in addition to the $399 fee, but more recently{{when|date=June 2011}} have been included in the package. |
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The professional version is available for Windows (NT-based versions), Mac OS X 10.4 or later and Linux.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://earthprostore.appspot.com/index.ep |title=Google Earth |publisher=Earthprostore.appspot.com |date=2010-04-29 |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> |
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===Google Earth Enterprise=== |
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Google Earth Enterprise is a version of Google Earth designed for use by organizations whose businesses could take advantage of the program's capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com/enterprise/earthmaps/enterprise.html |title=Google Earth Enterprise â€" Google Earth and Maps Enterprise |publisher=Google.com |date= |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> |
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===Automotive version=== |
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An automotive version of Google Earth is available in the 2010 [[Audi A8]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Redmer |first=Jens |url=http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/12/google-audi-take-google-services-in-car.html |title=Google LatLong: Google & Audi take Google services in a car to the next level in the new Audi A8 |publisher=Google-latlong.blogspot.com |date=2009-12-16 |accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> |
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==Google Earth Plug-in== |
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The Google Earth API is a free beta service, available for any web site that is free to consumers. The Plug-in and its JavaScript API allows users to place a version of Google Earth into web pages. The API does not have all the features of the full Google Earth Application but enables sophisticated 3D map applications to be built. |
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The Google Earth Plug-in is currently available for the following web browsers and operating systems: |
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Microsoft Windows (2000, XP, Vista, and 7) |
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* Google Chrome 1.0+ |
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* Internet Explorer 6.0+ |
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* Firefox 2.0+ |
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* Flock 1.0+ |
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Apple Mac OS X 10.4 and higher (Intel and PowerPC) |
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* Safari 3.1+ |
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* Firefox 3.0+ |
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To date the plug-in supports the following layers: |
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* Terrain |
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* Roads |
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* Buildings |
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* Borders |
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* 3-D Buildings |
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The Google Updater Plugin from Google<ref>[http://www.currentversionplugin.net/google-update/ Current Version of Google Update Plugin]</ref> will keep the Google Earth Plugin (and all other Google plugins) up to date on your browser. |
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It also supports 'Sky Mode', 'Photo Overlays', and provides much of the same controls and information bar as the full application. |
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* [http://www.google.com/earth/explore/products/plugin.html Google Earth Plug-in] |
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* [http://code.google.com/apis/earth/documentation/API.html Google Earth API] |
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<!--[[Image:AudioslaveNationGoogleEarth.jpg|thumb|right|Screenshot of "[[Audioslave]] Nation"]]--> |
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==Imagery resolution and accuracy== |
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[[Image:GoogleGib.jpg|thumb|The west side of [[Gibraltar]] ([[UK]]), tilted view showing the sea rising up the [[Rock of Gibraltar]] – claimed altitude of the sea just off the beach at Elliots Memorial, 252 m. This is now fixed. {{Coord|36|6|59.6|N|5|21|5.2|W|name=Water altitude problem in Google Earth}}]] |
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[[Image:Earth 20100324 1728h.jpg|thumb|[[Mount Tamalpais]], detail of parcel-scale 40 cm-gridded terrain in good registration with 30 cm per pixel aerial photo. {{Coord|37.9561|N|122.5682|W}}]] |
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Most land areas are covered in satellite imagery with a resolution of about 15 m per pixel. This base imagery is 30 m [[multispectral]] [[Landsat]] which is [[Pansharpened image|pansharpened]] with the 15 m [panchromatic] [[Landsat]] imagery. However, Google is actively replacing this base imagery with 2.5 m [[Spot Image|SPOTImage]] imagery and several higher resolution datasets mentioned below. Some population centers are also covered by aircraft imagery ([[orthophoto]]graphy) with several pixels per meter. Oceans are covered at a much lower resolution, as are a number of islands; notably, the [[Isles of Scilly]] off southwest [[United Kingdom]] were at a resolution of about 500 m or less, although this has since been addressed. |
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Google has resolved many inaccuracies in the vector mapping since the original public release of the software, without requiring an update to the program itself. An example of this was the absence from Google Earth's map boundaries of the [[Nunavut]] territory in Canada, a territory that had been created on April 1, 1999; this mistake was corrected by one of the data updates in early 2006. Recent updates have also increased the coverage of detailed aerial photography, particularly in certain areas of western and central Europe. |
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The images are not all taken at the same time, but are generally current to within three years. However, with the release of Google Earth 5.0, it has historical images dating back to the 1940s in some spots. Image sets are sometimes not correctly stitched together. Updates to the photographic database can occasionally be noticed when drastic changes take place in the appearance of the landscape, for example Google Earth's incomplete updates of [[New Orleans]] following [[Hurricane Katrina]], or when placemarks appear to shift unexpectedly across the Earth's surface. Though the placemarks have not in fact moved, the imagery is composed and stitched differently. Such an update to London's photography in early 2006 created shifts of 15–20 metres in many areas, noticeable because the resolution is so high. |
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Place name and road detail vary greatly from place to place. They are most accurate in North America, Europe and Australia, but regular mapping updates are improving coverage elsewhere. |
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Errors sometimes occur due to the technology used to measure the height of terrain; (Note: The following examples no longer exist in the terrain data now used in Google Earth). For example, tall buildings in [[Adelaide]], Australia, cause one part of the city to be rendered as a small mountain, when it is in fact flat. Also, in [[Downtown Los Angeles]], there is a large hill in the approximate location of [[Bunker Hill, Los Angeles|Bunker Hill]], where many of the skyscrapers are located. The height of the [[Eiffel Tower]] creates a similar effect in the rendering of Paris. Also, prior to the release of version 5.0 in February 2009, elevations below sea level were presented as sea level, for example: [[Salton City, California]]; [[Badwater Basin|Death Valley]]; and the [[Dead Sea]] were all listed as 0 m when Salton City is −38 m, Death Valley −86 m, and the Dead Sea −420 m. |
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Where no 3 [[minute of arc|arc second]] [[digital elevation model|digital elevation data]] was available, the three dimensional images covering some areas of high relief are not at all accurate, but most mountain areas are now well mapped. The underlying digital elevation model has been placed 3 [[minute of arc|arc seconds]] too far north and up to 3 arc seconds too far west. This means that some steep mountain ridges incorrectly appear to have shadows extending over onto their south facing sides. Some high resolution images have also been misplaced: an example is the image covering [[Annapurna]], which is misplaced by about 12 arc seconds. Elevation data was recently{{when|date=June 2011}} updated to 10-meter (1/3-arc-second) resolution for much of the United States from the previous 30-meter (1-arc-second) resolution. |
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In some areas, local government jurisdictions have submitted more finely gridded terrain models through the Map Content Partners program.<ref name="MapContentPartners">{{cite web |url=http://www.google.com/submityourcontent/public_sector.html| title=Google Map Content Partners, Public Sector/Non-profit | accessdate=2010-04-11}}</ref> In March 2010, the County of Marin, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge by San Francisco, California, published a 40 cm gridded terrain surface of 1425 km<sup>2</sup> through the program. |
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The "Measure" function shows that the length of [[equator]] is about 40,030.24 km, giving an error of −0.112% compared with the actual value of 40,075.02 km Earth; for the [[meridian (geography)|meridional]] circumference, it shows a length of about 39,963.13 km, also giving an error of −0.112% compared with the actual value of 40,007.86 km. |
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On December 16, 2007, most of Antarctica was updated to a 15 m resolution using imagery from the Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (1 m resolution images of some parts of Antarctica were added in June 2007); however, the Arctic [[polar ice cap]] is completely absent from the current version of Google Earth, as are waves in the oceans. The geographic [[North Pole]] is found hovering over the Arctic Ocean and the tiling system produces [[visual artifact|artifacts]] near the poles as the tiles become 'infinitely' small and rounding errors accumulate. |
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Cloud cover and shadows can make it difficult or impossible to see details in some land areas, including the shadow side of mountains. |
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Some parts of the world have still not been photographed. Very low resolution photos or false color photos indicate that the area has not been photographed. On Google Earth 6.0 it is easy to see areas that are not photographed by simply clicking the Historical imagery option on. |
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==Controversy and criticism== |
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The software has been criticized by a number of [[special interest group]]s, including national officials, as being an [[invasion of privacy]] and even posing a threat to [[national security]]. The typical argument is that the software provides information about military or other critical installations that could be used by [[terrorist]]s. |
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* Former [[President of India|President]] of [[India]] [[APJ Abdul Kalam]] expressed concern over the availability of high-resolution pictures of sensitive locations in [[India]].<ref name="IndianPresCrit">{{cite web |url=http://www.techtree.com/techtree/jsp/article.jsp?article_id=68712&cat_id=582| title=Kalam Concerned Over Google Earth | accessdate=2007-01-25}}</ref> Google subsequently agreed to censor such sites.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Google_Earth_agrees_to_blur_pix_of_key_Indian_sites/articleshow/1559236.cms|title=Google Earth agrees to blur pix of key Indian sites | work=The Times Of India | first1=Rajeev|last1=Deshpande|date=2007-02-04}}</ref> |
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* The [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] said Google Earth poses a security threat to India, and seeks dialogue with Google officials.<ref name="ISROCrit">{{cite web |url=http://www.techshout.com/internet/2006/10/google-earth-poses-security-threat-to-india-isro-chief-seeks-dialogue/| title=Google Earth Poses Security Threat to India, ISRO Chief seeks Dialogue | accessdate=2007-01-25}}</ref> |
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* The [[South Korea]]n government expressed concern that the software offers images of the [[Blue House|presidential palace]] and various military installations that could possibly be used by hostile neighbor [[North Korea]].<ref name="SouthKoreaGovCrit">{{cite web |url=http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/TEMP/ea_skorea_09_06.html| title=Google Earth images compromise secret installations in S. Korea | accessdate=2007-01-25 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070701162623/http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/TEMP/ea_skorea_09_06.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-07-01}}</ref> |
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* In 2006, one user spotted a large topographical replica in a remote region of China. The model is a small-scale (1/500) version of the [[Karakoram|Karakoram Mountain Range]], currently under the control of China but claimed by India. When later confirmed as a replica of this region, spectators began entertaining military implications.<ref name="SMHChinaModel">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/web/chinese-xfile-excites-spotters/2006/07/20/1153166503699.html| title=Chinese X-file excites spotters | accessdate=2007-01-25 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=July 20, 2006}}</ref><ref name="IndianExpressChinaModel">{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/9972.html| title=From sky, see how China builds model of Indian border 2400 km away | accessdate=2007-01-25}}</ref> |
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* In 2006, Google Earth began offering detailed images of classified areas in [[Israel]]. The images showed [[Israel Defense Forces]] bases, including secret [[Israeli Air Force]] facilities, Israel's [[Arrow (Israeli missile)|Arrow missile]] defense system, military headquarters and Defense Ministry compound in [[Tel Aviv]], a top-secret power station near [[Ashkelon]], and the [[Negev Nuclear Research Center]]. Also shown was the alleged headquarters of the [[Mossad]], Israel's foreign intelligence service, whose location is highly classified.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3261490,00.html |title=Google ‘spying’ on IDF |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=1995-06-20 |accessdate=2011-08-06}}</ref><ref>[[Daily Mail]]: ''Google Exposes Israeli Top Secret Sites''</ref> |
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* Operators of the [[Open-pool Australian lightwater reactor|Lucas Heights nuclear reactor]] in [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]], Australia asked Google to censor high resolution pictures of the facility.<ref name="ABCAUNukeFears">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/indepth/featureitems/s1432602.htm| title=Google Earth prompts security fears | accessdate=2007-01-25 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070124105253/http://www.abc.net.au/news/indepth/featureitems/s1432602.htm |archivedate = January 24, 2007}}</ref> However, they later withdrew the request.<ref name="SearchViewsAussieNukeReqDropped">{{cite web |url=http://searchviews.com/archives/2005/08/aussie_nuclear.php| title= Aussie Nuclear Reactor on Google Earth | accessdate=2007-01-25}}</ref> |
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* In July 2007, it was reported that a new [[People's Liberation Army Navy|Chinese Navy]] [[Type 094 submarine|Jin-class]] [[nuclear weapon|nuclear]] [[ballistic missile]] [[submarine]] was photographed at the [[Xiaopingdao Submarine Base]] south of [[Dalian]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/2007/07/new_chinese_ballistic_missile.php| title=New Chinese Ballistic Missile Submarine Spotted | accessdate=2007-07-10}}</ref> |
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* [[Hamas]] and the [[al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades]] have reportedly used Google Earth to plan [[Qassam rocket]] attacks on Israel from Gaza (See: [[List of Qassam rocket attacks]].)<ref>{{cite news|author=Clancy Chassay in Gaza City and Bobbie Johnson |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/oct/25/google.israel |title=Google Earth used to target Israel |publisher=Guardian |date= 2007-10-25|accessdate=2010-08-25 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/cgi-bin/common/popupPrintArticle.pl?path=/articles/2009/01/30/1232818692103.html|title=We're not stalking you or helping terrorists, says Google Earth boss|last=Hutcheon|first=Stephen|date=2009-01-30|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=2009-11-07}}</ref> |
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* The lone surviving gunman involved in the [[November 2008 Mumbai attacks|2008 Mumbai attacks]] admitted to using Google Earth to familiarise himself with the locations of buildings used in the attacks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bedi |first=Rahul |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/3691723/Mumbai-attacks-Indian-suit-against-Google-Earth-over-image-use-by-terrorists.html |title=Mumbai attacks: Indian suit against Google Earth over image use by terrorists |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=2008-12-09 |accessdate=2011-08-06}}</ref> |
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* [[Michael Finton]], aka Talib Islam, used Google Earth in planning his attempted September 24, 2009, bombing of the Paul Findley Federal Building and the adjacent offices of Congressman [[Aaron Schock]] in [[Springfield, Illinois]].<ref>[http://www.nefafoundation.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefa_fintontargetamerica.pdf Gruen, Madeleine, "Attempt to Attack the Paul Findley Federal Building in Springfield, Illinois," The [[NEFA Foundation]], December 2009, accessed December 18, 2009]</ref> |
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* In 2009, Google superimposed old [[woodblock prints]] of maps from 18th and 19th century [[Japan]] over Japan today. These maps marked areas inhabited by the '''[[burakumin]]''' caste, who were considered "non-humans" for their "dirty" occupations, including [[leather tanning]] and [[butchery]]. Descendants of members of the burakumin caste still face discrimination today and many Japanese people feared that some would use these areas, labeled ''[[etamura]]'' (穢多村, ''translation: "village of an abundance of defilement""''), to target current inhabitants of them. These maps are still visible on Google Earth, but with the label removed where necessary.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6337499.ece |title=Google Earth maps out discrimination against burakumin caste in Japan |publisher=Timesonline.co.uk |date=2012-03-13 |accessdate=2012-07-30}}</ref> |
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* Thieves in the [[United Kingdom]] allegedly use Google Earth to find [[Church of England]] churches with [[lead]] roofs in order to steal the lead and sell it as scrap (at $2,400 per [[metric tonne]]) on the [[metals market]].<ref name="Avril Ormsby">{{cite news |
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| last= Ormsby |
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| first= Avril |
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| url= http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B155C20101202 |
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| title= Lead thieves use Google Earth to target churches |
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| publisher= Reuters |
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| date= Thu Dec 2, 2010 |
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| accessdate= }}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width: 500px" |
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|+ '''Countries where Google Earth is Blocked:''' |
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! Country !! By Whom !! Reason !! Since When !! Source |
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|- |
|- |
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|4.1 |
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|Iran||Google||US government export restrictions||2007||<ref>[http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/earth/thread?tid=403a43f2bf5def3b&hl=en "Why is Google Earth being blocked in Iran?"] Google Earth Help forums June 17, 2009</ref> |
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|May 2007 |
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| |
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|- |
|- |
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|4.2 |
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|Morocco||Maroc Telecom, the most popular service provider||Unknown||2006||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ogleearth.com/2006/08/morocco_censors.html |title=Morocco censorship? |publisher=Ogleearth.com |date=2006-08-24 |accessdate=2011-08-06}}</ref> |
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|August 2007 |
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| |
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*Google Sky was introduced |
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*A flight simulator was added |
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|- |
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|4.3 |
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|April 2008 |
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| |
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*First release to implement KML version 2.2 |
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*Google Street View was added |
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|- |
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|5.0 |
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|May 2009 |
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| |
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*Google Ocean was introduced |
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*Historical Imagery was introduced |
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|- |
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|5.1 |
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|November 2009 |
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| |
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|- |
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|5.2 |
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|July 2010 |
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| |
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*Last version to support Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger (PPC & Intel) and 10.5 Leopard (PPC) |
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|- |
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|6.0 |
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|March 2011 |
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| |
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*3D Trees were added |
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|- |
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|6.1 |
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|October 2011 |
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| |
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|- |
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|6.2 |
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|April 2012 |
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| |
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*Last version to support Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard (Intel) |
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|- |
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|7.0 |
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|December 2012 |
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| |
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* Support for 3D Imagery data was introduced |
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* Tour Guide was introduced |
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|- |
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|7.1 |
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|April 2013 |
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| |
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*Last version to support Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and Mac OS X 10.7 Lion |
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|- |
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|7.3 |
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|July 2017 |
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| |
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*Google Earth Pro became the standard version of the desktop program. (A free license key was also publicly provided by Google for all the earlier Pro versions.)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/earth/answer/168344?hl=en |title=Update Google Earth Pro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318082624/https://support.google.com/earth/answer/168344?hl=en |archive-date=March 18, 2018 |access-date=April 23, 2018}}</ref> |
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*The desktop application continues to be Google Earth Pro 7.3, with infrequent updates. |
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|- |
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|8.0 |
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|October 2014 |
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| |
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*Android-only update with new 3D rendering engine and feature to import KML files from Google Drive.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.droid-life.com/2014/10/22/google-earth-8-0-hits-google-play-new-3d-rendering-tech-and-refreshed-maps-in-tow/ | title=Google Earth 8.0 Hits Google Play, New 3D Rendering Tech and Refreshed Maps in Tow | date=October 22, 2014 | access-date=October 3, 2023 | archive-date=October 15, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015205626/https://www.droid-life.com/2014/10/22/google-earth-8-0-hits-google-play-new-3d-rendering-tech-and-refreshed-maps-in-tow/ | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
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|9.0 |
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|April 2017 |
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| |
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*Redesign of the mobile and web apps featuring Voyager, "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, and 3D mode.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.google/products/earth/welcome-home-new-google-earth/ |title=Welcome home to the new Google Earth |last=Shah |first=Gopal |date=April 18, 2017 |website=The Keyword - Google Product and Technology News and Stories |publisher=Google |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114175307/https://blog.google/products/earth/welcome-home-new-google-earth/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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*iOS received update in August 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/08/02/google-earth-ios-app-64-bit-support/ |title=Google Earth iOS App Updated With Flyover-Like 3D Views and 64-Bit Support |last=Broussard |first=Mitchel |date=August 2, 2017 |website=[[MacRumors]] |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218014908/https://www.macrumors.com/2017/08/02/google-earth-ios-app-64-bit-support/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
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|10.0 |
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|September 2023 |
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| |
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*Mobile and web apps updated to latest [[Material Design]] theme with support for project creation. Voyager was removed from app.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schoon |first1=Ben |title=Google Earth gets a redesigned Android app with Projects support, removes Voyager |url=https://9to5google.com/2023/09/26/google-earth-android-redesign-projects/ |website=[[9to5Google]] |date=September 23, 2023 |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927124119/https://9to5google.com/2023/09/26/google-earth-android-redesign-projects/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
|- |
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|Sudan||Google||US government export restrictions||2007||<ref>[http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article21501 "Google Earth ban in Sudan is due to US export restrictions"] Sudan Tribune, April 22, 2007</ref> |
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|} |
|} |
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[[Image:Royal Stables.jpg|thumb|right|Blurred out image of the Royal Stables in [[The Hague]], Netherlands. This has since been partially lifted.]] |
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Some citizens may express concerns over aerial information depicting their properties and residences being disseminated freely. As relatively few jurisdictions actually guarantee the individual's [[right to privacy]], as opposed to the state's right to secrecy, this is an evolving point. |
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Perhaps aware of these critiques,<ref>[http://spatiallaw.blogspot.com/2008/04/privacy-lawsuit-against-google-earth.html Privacy Lawsuit Against Google Earth], Spatial Law blog, 2008-04-09 |
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</ref> for a time, Google had [[Area 51]] (which is highly visible and easy to find) in Nevada as a default placemark when Google Earth is first installed. |
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=== Google Earth Pro === |
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As a result of pressure from the [[United States government]], the residence of the [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] at [[Number One Observatory Circle]] was obscured through [[pixelization]] in Google Earth and [[Google Maps]] in 2006, but has since been lifted. The usefulness of this downgrade is questionable, as high-resolution photos and aerial surveys of the property are readily available on the Internet elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eyeball-series.org/veep-eyeball.htm|title=Eyeballing the US Vice Presidential Residence}}</ref> [[Capitol Hill]] used to also be pixelized in this way, but this was lifted. The Royal Stables in [[The Hague]], [[Netherlands]] used to be pixelized as well, but was partially lifted. If one zooms in too close to the Stables, it is still pixelized. |
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[[File:Google Earth.png|thumb|right|265px|Google Earth running on [[Android (operating system)|Android]]]] |
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Google Earth Pro was originally the business-oriented upgrade to Google Earth, with features such as a movie maker and data importer. Up until late January 2015, it was available for $399/year, though Google decided to make it free to the public.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/google-earth-pro-is-now-free-1682987518 |title=Google Earth Pro Is Now Available for Free |author=Kate Knibbs |date=February 2, 2015 |access-date=September 9, 2017 |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703041123/https://gizmodo.com/google-earth-pro-is-now-free-1682987518 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Robert |title=Good News Everyone! Google Earth Pro Now Free! |url=http://mapshole.com/2015/02/11/google-earth-pro-now-free/ |website=Mapshole |access-date=February 22, 2015 |date=February 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726175647/http://mapshole.com/2015/02/11/google-earth-pro-now-free/ |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Google Earth Pro is currently the standard version of the Google Earth desktop application as of version 7.3.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.google.com/earth/answer/40901?hl=en |title=Notes on Google Earth releases, Help Center |work=Google Earth Pro Support Community |date=July 10, 2017 |access-date=November 29, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408181021/https://support.google.com/earth/answer/40901?hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The Pro version includes add-on software for movie making, advanced printing, and precise measurements, and is available for [[Windows]], [[macOS]], and [[Linux]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Google Earth for Desktop|url=https://www.google.com/earth/explore/products/desktop.html|website=Google Earth|access-date=February 22, 2015|archive-date=February 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222022903/http://www.google.com/earth/explore/products/desktop.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== Google Earth Plus === |
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Critics have expressed concern over the willingness of Google to cripple their dataset to cater to special interests, believing that intentionally obscuring any land goes against its stated goal of letting the user "point and zoom to any place on the planet that you want to explore".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geospace.co.uk/files/Zook_Graham_2007_Geoforum.pdf|title=The Creative Reconstruction of the Internet: Google and the Privatization of Cyberspace and DigiPlace}}</ref> |
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Discontinued in December 2008, Google Earth Plus was a paid subscription upgrade to Google Earth that provided customers with the following features, most of which have become available in the free Google Earth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earth.google.com/enterprise/earth_plus.html |title=Google Earth Plus |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420013757/http://earth.google.com/enterprise/earth_plus.html |archive-date=April 20, 2008 |access-date=February 1, 2017}}</ref> One such feature was GPS integration, which allowed users to read tracks and waypoints from a [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] device. A variety of third-party applications have been created which provide this functionality using the basic version of Google Earth by generating KML or KMZ files based on user-specified or user-recorded waypoints. |
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=== Google Earth Enterprise === |
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In the [[United Kingdom]], critics have also argued that Google Earth has led to the vandalism of private property, highlighting the [[graffiti]] of a [[penis]] being drawn on the roof of a house near [[Hungerford]],<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/blog/2009/mar/24/penis-drawing-roof-google "Teenager's 60ft painting of penis on parents' roof spotted in space"], ''[[The Guardian]]'', accessed 29/05/2010</ref> on the roof of [[Yarm School]] at [[Stockton on Tees]]<ref>[http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article75115.ece "The Piddler On The Roof"], ''[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]'', accessed 29/05/2010</ref> and on the playing fields of a school in [[Southampton]]<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2007/jan/31/schools.uk1 "Schoolyard penis seen from space"], ''[[The Guardian]]'', accessed 29/05/2010</ref> as examples of this. |
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Google Earth Enterprise is designed for use by organizations whose businesses could take advantage of the program's capabilities, for example by having a globe that holds company data available for anyone in that company.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/enterprise/earthmaps/enterprise.html |title=Google Earth Enterprise – Google Earth and Maps Enterprise |access-date=November 16, 2012 |archive-date=February 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210065725/https://www.google.com/enterprise/earthmaps/enterprise.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As of March 20, 2015, Google has retired the Google Earth Enterprise product, with support ended on March 22, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.google.com/earthenterprise/#topic=2802998 |title=(Deprecated) Google Earth Enterprise Help |access-date=July 12, 2016 |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826190959/https://support.google.com/earthenterprise/#topic=2802998 |url-status=live }}</ref> Google Earth Enterprise allowed developers to create maps and 3D globes for private use, and host them through the platform. GEE Fusion, GEE Server, and GEE Portable Server source code was published on GitHub under the Apache2 license in March 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://maps-apis.googleblog.com/2017/01/open-sourcing-google-earth-enterprise.html |title=Open-Sourcing Google Earth Enterprise |access-date=January 31, 2017 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218014914/https://www.google.com/images/errors/robot.png |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Google Earth Studio === |
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In [[Hazleton, Pennsylvania|Hazleton]], [[Pennsylvania]], media attention and critics focused on Google Earth once more because of the defacing of the Hazleton Area Highschool Football field. Grass was removed to create the image of a penis approximately 35 yards long and 20 yards wide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nepamedia.blogspot.com/2007/12/hazleton-penis-made-famous-by-google.html |title=Hazleton Penis Made Famous by Google Maps |publisher=nepamedia blogspot.com |accessdate= 2010-07-07}}</ref> |
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Google Earth Studio is a web-based version of Google Earth used for animations using Google Earth's 3D imagery. As of June 2021, it is preview-only and requires signing up to use it.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FAQ|url=https://www.google.com/earth/studio/faq/|access-date=June 1, 2021|website=Google Earth Studio|language=en|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814174627/https://www.google.com/earth/studio/faq/|url-status=live}}</ref> It features keyframe animation, presets called "Quick-Start Projects", and 3D camera export.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Google Earth Studio|url=https://www.google.com/earth/studio/|access-date=June 1, 2021|website=Google Earth Studio|language=en|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125213200/https://www.google.com/earth/studio/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== Google Earth 9 === |
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Recent versions of Google Earth require a software component running in the background that will automatically download and install updates. Several users expressed concerns that there is not an easy way to disable this updater, as it currently runs without the permission of the user.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/02/why-googles-sof/|title=Why Google's Software Update Tool Is Evil | work=Wired | first=Scott|last=Gilbertson|date=2009-02-13}}</ref>{{dubious|date=November 2011}} |
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Google Earth 9 is a version of Google Earth first released on April 18, 2017, having been in development for two years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/maps/n5kxulcQUTM|title=Google Groups|website=productforums.google.com|access-date=April 22, 2017|archive-date=December 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203081016/https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/maps/n5kxulcQUTM|url-status=live}}</ref> The main feature of this version was the launching of a new web version of Google Earth.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2017/04/first-review-new-google-earth.html|title=First Review of New Google Earth - Google Earth Blog|date=April 18, 2017|work=Google Earth Blog|access-date=April 22, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=April 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423072252/https://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2017/04/first-review-new-google-earth.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This version added the "Voyager" feature, whereby users can view a portal page containing guided tours led by scientists and documentarians.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/04/google-earth-adds-guided-video-tours-from-bbcs-planet-earth-and-others/|title=Google Earth gets a new home on the Web, fancy "guided tour" section|work=Ars Technica|access-date=April 22, 2017|language=en-us|archive-date=April 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421135215/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/04/google-earth-adds-guided-video-tours-from-bbcs-planet-earth-and-others/|url-status=live}}</ref> The version also added an "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, represented by a die, which takes the user to a random location on Earth along with showing them a "Knowledge Card" containing a short excerpt from the location's Wikipedia article.<ref name=":0" /> |
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=== Google Earth Plug-in === |
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June 2012, Google announced to the geo-modeler community that user-made 3D buildings will be replaced by Google auto-gernerated mesh. This has led to some disappointment among geo-modelers worldwide, who have submitted thousands of models, and some have businesses that rely on user submitted 3D buildings. |
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The Google Earth API was a free beta service, allowing users to place a version of Google Earth into web pages. The API enabled sophisticated 3D map applications to be built.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://developers.google.com/earth/ |title=Google Earth API — Google Developers |date=February 24, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2013 |archive-date=May 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501182856/https://developers.google.com/earth/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At its unveiling at Google's 2008 I/O developer conference, the company showcased potential applications such as a game where the player controlled a milktruck atop a Google Earth surface.<ref>{{cite web|last=Teglet|first=Traian|title=Driving the Monster Milktruck in Google Earth|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Driving-the-Monster-Milktruck-in-Google-Earth-86765.shtml|publisher=Softpedia|access-date=March 30, 2012|date=May 29, 2008|archive-date=May 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507151550/http://news.softpedia.com/news/Driving-the-Monster-Milktruck-in-Google-Earth-86765.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Google Earth API has been deprecated as of December 15, 2014, and remained supported until December 15, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://developers.google.com/earth/|title=Google Earth API Developer's Guide|date=May 8, 2015|work=Google Developers|access-date=May 24, 2013|archive-date=May 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501182856/https://developers.google.com/earth/|url-status=live}}</ref> Google Chrome ended support for the [[NPAPI|Netscape Plugin API]] (which the Google Earth API relies on) by the end of 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.chromium.org/2013/09/saying-goodbye-to-our-old-friend-npapi.html|title=Chromium Blog: Saying Goodbye to Our Old Friend NPAPI|work=Chromium Blog|access-date=June 21, 2018|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122184036/https://blog.chromium.org/2013/09/saying-goodbye-to-our-old-friend-npapi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== Google Earth VR === |
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==Copyright== |
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On November 16, 2016, Google released a [[virtual reality]] version of Google Earth for [[Valve Corporation|Valve]]'s [[Steam (service)|Steam]] computer gaming platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vr.google.com/earth/|title=Google Earth VR|access-date=January 3, 2018|archive-date=December 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223110252/https://vr.google.com/earth/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blog.google/products/google-vr/google-earth-vr-bringing-whole-wide-world-virtual-reality/|title=Google Earth VR Bringing the Whole Wide World to Virtual Reality|date=November 16, 2016|access-date=January 3, 2018|archive-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104013822/https://www.blog.google/products/google-vr/google-earth-vr-bringing-whole-wide-world-virtual-reality/|url-status=live}}</ref> Google Earth VR allows users to navigate using VR controllers, and is currently compatible with the [[Oculus Rift]] and [[HTC Vive]] [[virtual reality headset]]s. On September 14, 2017, as part of Google Earth VR's 1.4 update, Google added Street View support.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/14/google-earth-vr-app-gets-support-for-street-view/|title=Google Earth VR App Gets Support for Street View|work=TechCrunch|date=September 14, 2017|access-date=January 3, 2018|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103193521/https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/14/google-earth-vr-app-gets-support-for-street-view/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Currently, every image created from Google Earth using satellite data provided by Google Earth is a [[copyright]]ed map. Any derivative from Google Earth is made from copyrighted data which, under [[United States Copyright Law]], may not be used except under the licenses Google provides. Google allows [[non-commercial]] personal use of the images (e.g. on a personal website or blog) as long as copyrights and attributions are preserved.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Google Earth Help Center: |url=http://earth.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=21422 |title=Can I post images to the web?}}</ref> |
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By contrast, images created with NASA's globe software [[NASA World Wind|World Wind]] use [[The Blue Marble]], [[Landsat]] or USGS layer, each of which is a terrain layer in the [[public domain]]. Works created by an agency of the United States government are public domain at the moment of creation. This means that those images can be freely modified, redistributed and used for [[Commerce|commercial]] purposes. |
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==Google Earth Outreach== |
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==Layers== |
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'''Google Earth Outreach''' is a charity program, through which Google promotes and donates to various non-profit organizations. Beginning in 2007, donations are often accompanied by layers featured in Google Earth, allowing users to view a non-profit's projects and goals by navigating to certain related locations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earth.google.com/outreach/index.html|title=Google Earth Outreach|access-date=December 21, 2014|archive-date=March 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330004916/http://earth.google.com/outreach/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Google Earth Outreach offers online training on using Google Earth and Google Maps for public education on issues affecting local regions or the entire globe. In June 2008, training was given to 20 indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest, such as the [[Paiter|Suruí]], to help them preserve their culture and raise awareness for the problem of deforestation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earth.google.com/outreach/amazon1.html|title=Google Earth Outreach Goes to the Amazon|access-date=December 21, 2014|archive-date=March 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317062823/http://earth.google.com/outreach/amazon1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Google Earth also features many layers as a source for information on businesses and points of interest, as well as showcasing the contents of many communities, such as [[Wikipedia]], [[Panoramio]] and [[YouTube]]. Google updates with new layers often. Many Google Earth layers, such as Panoramio and Google Earth Community layers, are updated daily with entries from the respective websites. |
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Non-profit organizations featured in Google Earth via the Outreach program include [[Arkive]], the [[Global Heritage Fund]], [[WaterAid]], and the [[World Wide Fund for Nature]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thegoodhuman.com/exploring-global-awareness-layers-in-google-earth/|title=Exploring Global Awareness Layers in Google Earth|publisher=The Good Human|date=November 26, 2017|access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528234143/https://thegoodhuman.com/exploring-global-awareness-layers-in-google-earth/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkive.org/Earth/ocean.html|title=Explore Arkive using Google Earth|access-date=January 2, 2018|publisher=Arkive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125183317/http://www.arkive.org/Earth/ocean.html|archive-date=November 25, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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===Borders and labels=== |
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Contains borders for countries/provinces and shows placemarks for cities and towns. |
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* [[Border]]s: ''Marks international borders with a thick yellow line (borders with [[territorial dispute]]s with thick red lines), 1st level administrative borders (generally [[province]]s and [[State (administrative division)|states]]) with a [[lavender (color)|lavender]] line, and 2nd level administrative borders ([[county|counties]]) with a [[cyan]] line. Coastlines appear as a thin yellow line. Displays names of [[country|countries]], 1st level administrative areas, and islands.'' |
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* Labels: ''Displays labels for large bodies of water, such as oceans, seas, and bays, and populated places.'' |
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== |
==Google Earth Engine== |
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[[File:Flii globe.png|thumb|350px|The [[Forest Landscape Integrity Index]], created in Google Earth Engine]] |
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A collection of business listings provided by many local services. |
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'''Google Earth Engine''' is a [[cloud computing]] platform for processing [[satellite imagery]] and other geospatial and observation data. It provides access to a large database of satellite imagery and the computational power needed to analyze those images.<ref name="Timothy Gardner">{{cite news| last= Gardner| first= Timothy| url= https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B13RK20101202| title= Google unveils satellite platform to aid forest efforts| publisher= [[reuter]]s| date= December 2, 2010| access-date= January 3, 2018| archive-date= December 5, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101205031303/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B13RK20101202| url-status= live}}</ref> Google Earth Engine allows observation of dynamic changes in agriculture, natural resources, and climate using geospatial data from the [[Landsat]] satellite program, which [[ground track|passes over]] the same places on the Earth every sixteen days.<ref name="googleearthengine">{{Cite web|url=https://earthengine.google.com/faq/|title=FAQ – Google Earth Engine|website=earthengine.google.com|access-date=March 20, 2018|archive-date=April 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411002111/https://earthengine.google.com/faq/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= Dunbar, Brian|title= New Public Application of Landsat Images Released|website= [[NASA]]|date= n.d.|access-date= March 19, 2014|url= http://www.nasa.gov/content/new-public-application-of-landsat-images-released/#.UynQuvldWht|archive-date= March 11, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140311103810/http://www.nasa.gov/content/new-public-application-of-landsat-images-released/#.UynQuvldWht|url-status= live}}</ref> Google Earth Engine has become a platform that makes Landsat and Sentinel-2 data easily accessible to researchers in collaboration with the Google Cloud Storage.<ref name="googleearthengine"/> Google Earth Engine provides a data catalog along with computers for analysis; this allows scientists to collaborate using data, algorithms, and visualizations.<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Gorelick|first1= Noel|date= April 2013|title= Google Earth Engine|bibcode= 2013EGUGA..1511997G|journal= EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts|volume= 15|pages= EGU2013–11997}}</ref> The platform provides Python and JavaScript application programming interfaces for making requests to the servers,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/|title=Introduction {{!}} Google Earth Engine API {{!}} Google Developers|website=Google Developers|language=en|access-date=March 20, 2018|archive-date=May 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528172744/https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/|url-status=live}}</ref> and includes a graphical user interface<ref>{{Cite web|title=Earth Engine Code Editor {{!}} Google Earth Engine|url=https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/guides/playground|access-date=November 27, 2021|website=Google Developers|language=en|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127175702/https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/guides/playground|url-status=live}}</ref> for developing applications. |
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An early prototype of Earth Engine, based on the [[Carnegie Mellon University|Carnegie Institute for Science's]] CLASlite system and [[Imazon]]'s Sistema de Alerta de Desmatamento (SAD) was demonstrated in 2009<ref>{{Cite web|title=Seeing the forest through the cloud|url=https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/seeing-forest-through-cloud.html|access-date=November 27, 2021|website=Official Google Blog|language=en|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127175701/https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/seeing-forest-through-cloud.html|url-status=live}}</ref> at [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP15]], and Earth Engine was officially launched in 2010<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 2, 2010|title=Introducing Google Earth Engine|url=https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/introducing-google-earth-engine/|access-date=November 27, 2021|website=Google|language=en-us|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127175704/https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/introducing-google-earth-engine/|url-status=live}}</ref> at [[2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP16]], along with maps of the water in the [[Congo Basin]] and forests in Mexico produced by researchers using the tool. |
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===Panoramio=== |
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Shows many of the most relevant pictures uploaded onto Panoramio's website. |
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In 2013, researchers from [[University of Maryland]] produced the first high-resolution global forest cover and loss maps using Earth Engine, reporting an overall loss in global forest cover.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hansen, M. C.|display-authors=etal|date=November 15, 2013|title=Global Forest Change|url=https://earthenginepartners.appspot.com/google.com/science-2013-global-forest|access-date=February 27, 2014|archive-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223183318/http://earthenginepartners.appspot.com/google.com/science-2013-global-forest|url-status=live}}</ref> Other early applications using Earth Engine spanned a diverse variety of topics, including: Tiger Habitat Monitoring,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Joshi|first1=Anup R.|last2=Dinerstein|first2=Eric|last3=Wikramanayake|first3=Eric|last4=Anderson|first4=Michael L.|last5=Olson|first5=David|last6=Jones|first6=Benjamin S.|last7=Seidensticker|first7=John|last8=Lumpkin|first8=Susan|last9=Hansen|first9=Matthew C.|date=April 1, 2016|title=Tracking changes and preventing loss in critical tiger habitat|journal=Science Advances|language=en|volume=2|issue=4|pages=e1501675|bibcode=2016SciA....2E1675J|doi=10.1126/sciadv.1501675|issn=2375-2548|pmc=4820387|pmid=27051881}}</ref> Malaria Risk Mapping,<ref>{{Cite web|title=UCSF, Google Earth Engine Making Maps to Predict Malaria|url=https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2014/09/116906/ucsf-google-earth-engine-making-maps-predict-malaria|access-date=March 22, 2018|website=UC San Francisco|date=September 10, 2014 |language=en|archive-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030626/https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2014/09/116906/ucsf-google-earth-engine-making-maps-predict-malaria|url-status=live}}</ref> Global Surface Water,<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 7, 2016|title=The nature of water: unveiling the most detailed view of water on Earth|language=en|work=Google|url=https://blog.google/topics/google-europe/nature-water-unveiling-most-detailed-view-water-earth/|access-date=March 22, 2018|archive-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030603/https://blog.google/topics/google-europe/nature-water-unveiling-most-detailed-view-water-earth/|url-status=live}}</ref> increases in vegetation around Mount Everest,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barkham|first1=Patrick|date=January 10, 2020|title=Grass growing around Mount Everest as global heating intensifies|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/10/grass-growing-around-mount-everest-as-global-heating-intensifies|access-date=January 10, 2020|issn=0261-3077|via=www.theguardian.com|archive-date=April 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418055310/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/10/grass-growing-around-mount-everest-as-global-heating-intensifies|url-status=live}}</ref> and the annual [[Forest Landscape Integrity Index]].<ref name="OriginalArticle">{{cite journal|last1=Grantham|first1=H. S.|last2=Duncan|first2=A.|last3=Evans|first3=T. D.|last4=Jones|first4=K. R.|last5=Beyer|first5=H. L.|last6=Schuster|first6=R.|last7=Walston|first7=J.|last8=Ray|first8=J. C.|last9=Robinson|first9=J. G.|last10=Callow|first10=M.|last11=Clements|first11=T.|year=2020|title=Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity|journal=Nature Communications|volume=11|issue=1|page=5978|bibcode=2020NatCo..11.5978G|doi=10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3|issn=2041-1723|pmc=7723057|pmid=33293507|doi-access=free|last18=Goetz|first41=E.|first44=R.|last44=Tizard|first43=T.|last43=Tear|first42=R.|last42=Taylor|last41=Stokes|first45=O.|first40=T.|last40=Stevens|first39=B.|last39=Strassburg|first38=A.|last38=Shapiro|last45=Venter|last46=Visconti|last37=Silverman|last15=Ervin|last12=Costa|first12=H. M.|last13=DeGemmis|first13=A.|last14=Elsen|first14=P. R.|first15=J.|first46=P.|last16=Franco|first16=P.|last17=Goldman|first48=J. E. M.|last48=Watson|first47=S.|last47=Wang|first37=J.|first36=C.|first18=S.|last23=Kang|last26=Lieberman|first25=W. F.|last25=Laurance|first24=P.|last24=Langhammer|first23=A.|first22=S.|last27=Linkie|last22=Jupiter|first21=P.|last21=Jantz|first20=E.|last20=Hofsvang|first19=A.|last19=Hansen|first26=S.|first27=M.|last36=Samper|first32=N. J.|first35=S.|last35=Saatchi|first34=J.|last34=Radachowsky|first33=H.|last33=Possingham|last32=Murray|first17=E.|first31=R.|last31=Mittermeier|first30=M.|last30=Mendez|first29=S.|last29=Maxwell|first28=Y.|last28=Malhi}}</ref> Since then, Earth Engine has been used in the production of hundreds of scientific journal articles<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|last1=Amani|first1=Meisam|last2=Ghorbanian|first2=Arsalan|last3=Ahmadi|first3=Seyed Ali|last4=Kakooei|first4=Mohammad|last5=Moghimi|first5=Armin|last6=Mirmazloumi|first6=S. Mohammad|last7=Moghaddam|first7=Sayyed Hamed Alizadeh|last8=Mahdavi|first8=Sahel|last9=Ghahremanloo|first9=Masoud|last10=Parsian|first10=Saeid|last11=Wu|first11=Qiusheng|date=2020|title=Google Earth Engine Cloud Computing Platform for Remote Sensing Big Data Applications: A Comprehensive Review|journal=IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing|volume=13|pages=5326–5350|doi=10.1109/JSTARS.2020.3021052|bibcode=2020IJSTA..13.5326A|s2cid=221848196|issn=2151-1535|doi-access=free|hdl=2117/359277|hdl-access=free}}</ref> in many fields including: forestry and agriculture, hydrology, water quality monitoring and assessment,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Akbarnejad Nesheli |first1=Sara |last2=Quackenbush |first2=Lindi J. |last3=McCaffrey |first3=Lewis |date=January 2024 |title=Estimating Chlorophyll-a and Phycocyanin Concentrations in Inland Temperate Lakes across New York State Using Sentinel-2 Images: Application of Google Earth Engine for Efficient Satellite Image Processing |journal=Remote Sensing |language=en |volume=16 |issue=18 |pages=3504 |doi=10.3390/rs16183504 |doi-access=free |issn=2072-4292}}</ref> natural disaster monitoring and assessment, urban mapping, atmospheric and climate sciences and soil mapping.<ref name=":4" /> |
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===Roads=== |
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Displays available road networks. The colors and signs displayed vary depending on the type of roadway. |
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* [[limited-access road|Limited-access]] [[freeway]]s and [[tollway]]s that are part of widespread networks such as the [[International E-road network]], United States [[Interstate Highway System|Interstate Highways]] and many other national road networks are represented by orange lines. |
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* Other freeways are marked with pale orange lines. |
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* Some roads in Japan are indigo. |
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* Other important roads, generally those most travelled, highest capacity, or bearing a [[road number]], are labeled with yellow lines. |
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* All other roads are labeled white. |
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* Some [[pedestrian]] walkways and [[private road]]s are signified by [[transparency and translucency|transparent]] white lines, especially when greatly resembling a road intended for public automotive traffic. |
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Earth Engine has been free for academic and research purposes since its launch, but commercial use was prohibited until 2021, when Google announced a preview of Earth Engine as a commercial cloud offering and early adopters that included Unilever, USDA and Climate Engine.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Commercial – Google Earth Engine|url=https://earthengine.google.com/commercial/|access-date=November 27, 2021|website=earthengine.google.com|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128232440/https://earthengine.google.com/commercial/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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===Buildings in 3D=== |
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{{Further|SketchUp|Google 3D Warehouse}} |
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Shows many [[3D modeling|3D]] [[3D computer graphics|computer]] [[building model]]s in many cities, in these styles: |
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* Photorealistic: ''Shows many buildings in a realistic style, with more complex polygons and surface images.'' |
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* Gray: ''Low-detail models of city buildings designed for computers that may not have the capability of showing the photorealistic models.'' |
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== Controversy and criticism == |
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Any real world building can be created for Google Earth via a number of avenues: |
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{{further|List of satellite map images with missing or unclear data}} |
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* Users can create their own 3D buildings with [[Google Building Maker|Building Maker]]. This browser based tool allows users to match 'boxes' to aerial imagery of certain cities. Low learning curve resulting in lower quality 3D buildings. |
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* Users can download [[SketchUp]] a 3D modeling application that allows users to create detailed digital representations of real world buildings. Provided the models meet Google's criteria, they can then be uploaded to the 3D warehouse and accepted to Google Earth |
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* There are now several companies, certified by Google,<ref>http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1ACAWCENNZ334&=&q=google+certifie+geo+developers&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=#sclient=psy&hl=en&rlz=1G1ACAWCENNZ334&q=google+certified+geo+developers&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&psj=1&fp=9bef8cda26d1a6ec</ref> that provide a service creating and maintaining 3D buildings for customers. These companies generally provide high detail models. |
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The software has been criticized by a number of [[special interest group]]s, including national officials, as being an [[invasion of privacy]] or posing a threat to [[national security]]. The typical argument is that the software provides information about military or other critical installations that could be used by terrorists. Google Earth has been blocked by Google in Iran<ref name="iranban">[https://productforums.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!category-topic/earth/problems-and-errors/EBYhLh_amzI "Why is Google Earth being blocked in Iran?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102094807/https://productforums.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!category-topic/earth/problems-and-errors/EBYhLh_amzI |date=January 2, 2021 }} Google Earth Help forums June 17, 2009</ref> and Sudan<ref name="sudanban">[http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article21501 "Google Earth ban in Sudan is due to US export restrictions"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411053211/http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article21501 |date=April 11, 2020 }} Sudan Tribune, April 22, 2007</ref> since 2007, due to United States government export restrictions. The program has also been blocked in Morocco since 2006 by Maroc Telecom, a major service provider in the country.<ref name="Morocco censorship">{{cite web |url=http://www.ogleearth.com/2006/08/morocco_censors.html |title=Morocco censorship? |publisher=Ogleearth.com |date=August 24, 2006 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |archive-date=June 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603091720/http://www.ogleearth.com/2006/08/morocco_censors.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In 2009, in a unique collaboration between Google and the [[Museo del Prado]] in [[Madrid]], the museum selected 14 of its most important paintings to be photographed and displayed at the ultrahigh resolution of 14,000 [[megapixel]]s inside the 3D version of the Prado in Google Earth and [[Google Maps]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/jan/14/museums-internet-google-earth-prado|title=Online gallery zooms in on Prado's masterpieces (even the smutty bits)|author=[[Giles Tremlett]]|date=14 January 2009|newspaper=The Guardian | location=London|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/prado/|title=The Prado in Google Earth|accessdate=2010-04-03|publisher=Google}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Royal Stables.jpg|thumb|right|Blurred out image of the Royal Stables in [[The Hague]], Netherlands. This has since been lifted.]] |
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In the academic realm, increasing attention has been devoted to both Google Earth and its place in the development of digital globes. In particular, ''the International Journal of Digital Earth'' features multiple articles evaluating and comparing the development of Google Earth and its differences when compared to other professional, scientific, and governmental platforms.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Arza-García |first1=Marcos |last2=Gil-Docampo |first2=Mariluz |last3=Ortiz-Sanz |first3=Juan |last4=Martínez-Rodríguez |first4=Santiago |title=Virtual globes for UAV-based data integration: Sputnik GIS and Google Earth™ applications |journal=International Journal of Digital Earth |date=May 4, 2019 |volume=12 |issue=5 |pages=583–593 |doi=10.1080/17538947.2018.1470205 |bibcode=2019IJDE...12..583A |hdl=10347/16754 |s2cid=134211000 |issn=1753-8947|hdl-access=free }}</ref> Google Earth's role in the expansion of "Earth observing media" has been examined to understand how it is shaping a shared cultural consciousness regarding climate change and humanity's capacity to treat the Earth as an engineerable object.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Google Warming|journal=Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies|volume=20|pages=85–107|doi=10.1177/1354856513516266|year=2014|last1=Gurevitch|first1=Leon|s2cid=144987331}}</ref> |
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===Defense=== |
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In June 2012, Google announced that it will be replacing user made 3D buildings with an auto-generated 3D mesh. This will be phased in, starting with the larger cities. The reason given is to have greater uniformity in 3D buildings, and to compete with other platforms already using the technology such as Nokia maps. – This has resulted in much disappointment among geo-modelers worldwide who have been contributing thousands of models. |
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* In 2006, one user spotted a large topographical replica in a remote region of China. The model is a small-scale (1/500) version of the [[Karakoram]] Mountain Range, which is under the control of China but claimed by India. When later confirmed as a replica of this region, spectators began entertaining military implications.<ref name="SMHChinaModel">{{cite news | url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/web/chinese-xfile-excites-spotters/2006/07/20/1153166503699.html | title=Chinese X-file excites spotters | access-date=January 25, 2007 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=July 20, 2006 | archive-date=January 27, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070127231705/http://www.smh.com.au/news/web/chinese-xfile-excites-spotters/2006/07/20/1153166503699.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IndianExpressChinaModel">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/9972.html|title=From sky, see how China builds model of Indian border 2400 km away|access-date=January 25, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070123084226/http://www.indianexpress.com/story/9972.html|archive-date=January 23, 2007}}</ref> |
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* In July 2007, it was reported that a new [[People's Liberation Army Navy|Chinese Navy]] [[Jin-class submarine|''Jin''-class]] [[nuclear weapon|nuclear]] [[ballistic missile]] [[submarine]] was photographed at the Xiaopingdao Submarine Base south of [[Dalian]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/blog/ssp/2007/07/new_chinese_ballistic_missile.php|title=New Chinese Ballistic Missile Submarine Spotted|access-date=July 10, 2007|archive-date=July 9, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709175611/http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/2007/07/new_chinese_ballistic_missile.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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* [[Hamas]] and the [[al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades]] have reportedly used Google Earth to plan [[Qassam rocket]] attacks on Israel from Gaza. (See: [[Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel]])<ref>{{cite news |author=Clancy Chassay in Gaza City and Bobbie Johnson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/oct/25/google.israel |title=Google Earth used to target Israel |newspaper=Guardian |date=October 25, 2007 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |location=London |archive-date=February 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212190618/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/oct/25/google.israel |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1567442/Google-Earth-used-in-rocket-strikes-on-Israel.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1567442/Google-Earth-used-in-rocket-strikes-on-Israel.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Google Earth used in rocket strikes on Israel|last=Levinson|first=Charles|date=October 26, 2007|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=December 3, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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* On February 13, 2019, 3D imagery was launched in four of [[Taiwan]]'s [[List of administrative divisions of Taiwan|cities]]: [[Taipei]], [[New Taipei City|New Taipei]], [[Taoyuan, Taiwan|Taoyuan]], and [[Taichung]]. This has caused concerns from Taiwanese officials, such as Taiwan's [[Ministry of National Defense (Republic of China)|Defense Minister]] [[Yen Teh-fa]], saying that the 3D imagery exposed some of its [[MIM-104 Patriot|Patriot]] missile sites. Ten days later on February 23, Google confirmed that it would be removing all of its 3D imagery from Taiwan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3637321|title=Google Maps launches 3D view of Taipei today|publisher=Taiwan News|date=February 13, 2019|access-date=February 25, 2019|location=Taipei|archive-date=February 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226045941/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3637321|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/google-earth-3d-map-exposes-taiwan-military-bases/|title=Google Earth spills the beans, reveals Taiwan's secret military bases|date=February 19, 2019|publisher=Digital Trends|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=February 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226045922/https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/google-earth-3d-map-exposes-taiwan-military-bases/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/ast/201902230019.aspx|title=3D images of Taiwan to be pulled from Google Maps|publisher=Focus Taiwan|date=February 23, 2019|access-date=February 25, 2019|location=Taipei|archive-date=February 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225074319/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/ast/201902230019.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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===National security=== |
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* Former [[President of India]] [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]] expressed concern over the availability of high-resolution pictures of sensitive locations in India.<ref name="IndianPresCrit">{{cite web |url=http://archive.techtree.com/techtree/jsp/article.jsp?article_id=68712&cat_id=582|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320085233/http://archive.techtree.com/techtree/jsp/article.jsp?article_id=68712&cat_id=582|archive-date=March 20, 2012| title=Kalam Concerned Over Google Earth | access-date=January 25, 2007}}</ref> Google subsequently agreed to censor such sites.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Google-Earth-agrees-to-blur-pix-of-key-Indian-sites/articleshow/1559236.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811132728/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-02-04/india/27872874_1_google-earth-images-concern-that-unrestricted-pictures|url-status=live|archive-date=August 11, 2011|title=Google Earth agrees to blur pix of key Indian sites | first1=Rajeev|last1=Deshpande|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=February 4, 2007}}</ref> |
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{{main|Google Street View}} |
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* The [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] said Google Earth poses a security threat to India and seeks dialogue with Google officials.<ref name="ISROCrit">{{cite web | url=http://www.techshout.com/internet/2006/10/google-earth-poses-security-threat-to-india-isro-chief-seeks-dialogue/ | title=Google Earth Poses Security Threat to India, ISRO Chief seeks Dialogue | access-date=January 25, 2007 | date=July 10, 2006 | archive-date=February 12, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212190927/http://www.techshout.com/internet/2006/10/google-earth-poses-security-threat-to-india-isro-chief-seeks-dialogue/ | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Shows placemarks with 360 degree [[panoramic]] views of streets of many cities in Australia, France, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, United States, and recently{{when|date=June 2011}} Portugal, [[Brazil]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Taiwan]], Switzerland, Canada, Mexico, Sweden, Norway, South Africa and Finland. |
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* The [[South Korea]]n government expressed concern that the software offers images of the [[Blue House|presidential palace]] and various military installations that could possibly be used by its hostile neighbor [[North Korea]].<ref name="SouthKoreaGovCrit">{{cite web |url=http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/TEMP/ea_skorea_09_06.html| title=Google Earth images compromise secret installations in S. Korea | access-date=January 25, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070701162623/http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/TEMP/ea_skorea_09_06.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = July 1, 2007}}</ref> |
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* In 2006, Google Earth began offering detailed images of classified areas in Israel. The images showed [[Israel Defense Forces]] bases, including secret [[Israeli Air Force]] facilities, Israel's [[Arrow (Israeli missile)|Arrow missile]] defense system, military headquarters and Defense Ministry compound in [[Tel Aviv]], a top-secret power station near [[Ashkelon]], and the [[Negev Nuclear Research Center]]. Also shown was the alleged headquarters of [[Mossad]], Israel's foreign intelligence service, whose location is highly classified.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3261490,00.html |title=Google 'spying' on IDF |newspaper=Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=June 20, 1995 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |last1=Goldman |first1=Dudi |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607133556/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3261490,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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* As a result of pressure from the [[United States government]], the residence of the [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] at [[Number One Observatory Circle]] was obscured through [[pixelization]] in Google Earth and [[Google Maps]] in 2006, but this restriction has since been lifted. The usefulness of this downgrade is questionable, as high-resolution photos and aerial surveys of the property are readily available on the Internet elsewhere.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eyeball-series.org |url=http://www.eyeball-series.org/veep-eyeball.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704221647/http://www.eyeball-series.org/veep-eyeball.htm |archive-date=July 4, 2019 |access-date=September 6, 2006 |website=www.eyeball-series.org}}</ref> [[Capitol Hill]] also used to be pixelized in this way. The Royal Stables in [[The Hague]], [[Netherlands]], also used to be pixelized. This is also true for airports in Greece. |
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* The lone surviving gunman involved in the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]] admitted to using Google Earth to familiarise himself with the locations of buildings used in the attacks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bedi |first=Rahul |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/3691723/Mumbai-attacks-Indian-suit-against-Google-Earth-over-image-use-by-terrorists.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/3691723/Mumbai-attacks-Indian-suit-against-Google-Earth-over-image-use-by-terrorists.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Mumbai attacks: Indian suit against Google Earth over image use by terrorists |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=December 9, 2008 |access-date=August 6, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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* [[Michael Finton]], aka Talib Islam, used Google Earth in planning his attempted September 24, 2009, bombing of the Paul Findley Federal Building and the adjacent offices of Congressman [[Aaron Schock]] in [[Springfield, Illinois]].<ref>Gruen, Madeleine,[http://www.nefafoundation.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefa_fintontargetamerica.pdf "Attempt to Attack the Paul Findley Federal Building in Springfield, Illinois"]{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301022613/http://www.nefafoundation.org/miscellaneous/FeaturedDocs/nefa_fintontargetamerica.pdf |date=March 1, 2012 }}," The [[NEFA Foundation]], December 2009, accessed December 18, 2009</ref> |
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===Other concerns=== |
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* Operators of the [[Open-pool Australian lightwater reactor|Lucas Heights nuclear reactor]] in [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]], Australia, asked Google to censor high-resolution pictures of the facility.<ref name="ABCAUNukeFears">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/indepth/featureitems/s1432602.htm| title=Google Earth prompts security fears | website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | access-date=January 25, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070124105253/http://www.abc.net.au/news/indepth/featureitems/s1432602.htm |archive-date = January 24, 2007}}</ref> They later withdrew the request.<ref name="SearchViewsAussieNukeReqDropped">{{cite web|url=http://searchviews.com/archives/2005/08/aussie_nuclear.php|title=Aussie Nuclear Reactor on Google Earth|access-date=January 25, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017173952/http://searchviews.com/archives/2005/08/aussie_nuclear.php|archive-date=October 17, 2006}}</ref> |
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* Clouds – ''Displays cloud cover based on data from both [[geostationary orbit|geostationary]] and [[Low Earth orbit|low Earth-orbiting]] [[satellite]]s. The clouds appear at their calculated elevation, determined by measuring the cloud top temperature relative to surface temperature.''<ref name="ReferenceA">Google Earth: Weather layer, information link -- accessed: 03 March 2009 v5.0.11337.1968 (beta)</ref> |
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* In 2009, Google superimposed old woodblock prints of maps from 18th- and 19th-century Japan over Japan today. These maps marked areas inhabited by the ''[[burakumin]]'' caste, formerly known as '''eta''' (穢多), literally "abundance of defilement", who were considered "non-humans" for their "dirty" occupations, including [[leather tanning]] and [[butchery]]. Descendants of members of the burakumin caste still face discrimination today and many Japanese people feared that some would use these areas, labeled ''etamura'' (穢多村 "eta village"), to target current inhabitants of them. These maps are still visible on Google Earth, but with the label removed where necessary.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6337499.ece |title=Google Earth maps out discrimination against burakumin caste in Japan |publisher=Timesonline.co.uk |date= May 22, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090927080209/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6337499.ece | archive-date = September 27, 2009 |access-date= January 10, 2018}}</ref> |
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* Radar – ''Displays [[weather radar]] data provided by [[The Weather Channel|weather.com]] and Weather Services International, updating every 5–6 minutes.''<ref name="ReferenceA"/> |
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* Late 2000s versions of Google Earth require a software component running in the background that will automatically download and install updates. Several users expressed concerns that there is not an easy way to disable this updater, as it runs without the permission of the user.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/02/why-googles-sof/|title=Why Google's Software Update Tool Is Evil|magazine=Wired|first=Scott|last=Gilbertson|date=February 13, 2009|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=May 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529222923/http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/02/why-googles-sof|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* Conditions and Forecast – ''Displays local temperatures and weather conditions. Clicking on an indicator displays a 2 Day Forecast (Example: Monday Morning, Monday Night, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Night) forecast provided by weather.com.''<ref name="ReferenceA"/> |
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*In February 2014, the Berlin-based ART+COM charged that Google Earth products infringe U.S. Patent No. RE44,550, entitled "Method and Device for Pictorial Representation of Space-related Data" and had remarkable similarity to [[Terravision (computer program)|Terravision]] which was developed by ART+COM in 1993 and patented in 1995.<ref name="eweek">{{Cite web |last=Weiss |first=Todd R. |date=February 22, 2014 |title=Google Sued for Alleged Google Earth Patent Infringement |url=https://www.eweek.com/cloud/google-sued-for-alleged-google-earth-patent-infringement |access-date=October 23, 2021 |website=eWEEK |language=en-US |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218014912/https://www.eweek.com/cloud/google-sued-for-alleged-google-earth-patent-infringement/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The court decided against Art+Com both at trial<ref name=":2">{{Cite case|title=ART+COM Innovationpool GmbH v. Google LLC |id=1:14-cv-00217|via=CourtListener|url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4220416/artcom-innovationpool-gmbh-v-google-llc/|access-date=October 24, 2021|language=en-us}}</ref> and on appeal<ref name=":3">{{Cite case|title=Art+Com Innovationpool v. Google |url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-federal-circuit/1878050.html|access-date=October 24, 2021|via=Findlaw|language=en-US}}</ref> because trial testimony showed that Art+Com was aware of an existing, substantially similar invention that it failed to mention as "prior art" in its patent application, thereby invalidating their patent. Stephen Lau, a former employee of federally funded, not-for-profit Stanford Research Institute ("SRI") testified that he helped develop SRI Terravision, an earth visualization application, and that he wrote 89% of the code. He further testified that he shared and discussed SRI Terravision code with Art+Com. Both systems used a multi-resolution pyramid of imagery to let users zoom from high to low altitudes, and both were called Terravision. Art+Com agreed to rename their product because SRI's came first. Stephen Lau died from COVID-19 in March 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pelham-al/stephen-wong-lau-9106466 | title=Stephen Wong Lau Obituary - Pelham, AL | access-date=October 24, 2021 | archive-date=October 24, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024153638/https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pelham-al/stephen-wong-lau-9106466 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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* Information – ''Clicking Information allows users to further read up on where Google Earth gets weather information.''<ref name="ReferenceA"/> |
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== In popular culture == |
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===Gallery=== |
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Google Earth is featured prominently in the 2021 German miniseries ''[[The Billion Dollar Code]]'', which serves as a fictionalized account of a 2014 patent infringement lawsuit brought against Google by the German creators of [[Terravision (computer program)|Terravision]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dw.com/en/the-billion-dollar-code-the-battle-over-google-earth/a-59433376|title='The Billion Dollar Code': The battle over Google Earth|work=Deutsche Welle|date= October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011050817/https://www.dw.com/en/the-billion-dollar-code-the-battle-over-google-earth/a-59433376|archive-date=October 11, 2021|access-date=October 11, 2021}}</ref> The series, which was shown on Netflix is prefaced by an episode of interviews with the ART+COM developers of Terravision and their legal representative.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Billion Dollar Code |url=https://www.netflix.com/watch/81187101?trackId=200257858 |website=Netflix.com |publisher=Netflix |access-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218014909/https://www.netflix.com/title/81074012?trackId=200257858 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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* [[Ancient Rome]]: ''Launched by Google on November 12, 2008.'' |
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* [[Discovery Networks]]: ''Shows geographical information from the [[Discovery Channel]].'' |
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* [[European Space Agency]]: ''Shows many [[satellite images]] taken of Earth.'' |
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* [[Gigapan]] Photos: ''Images from Google's Gigapan project.'' |
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* [[Gigapxl]] Photos: ''Photographs taken using Gigapxl.'' |
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* [[Google Book Search]]: ''An application of the Google Book search in Google Earth.'' |
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* Google Earth Community: ''User developed content hosted on Google's official Google Earth Community Forum.'' |
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* [[Google News]]: ''Shows news stories from many worldwide news sources.'' |
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* [[NASA]]: ''A showcase of many satellite images, overlays and features from NASA.'' |
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* ''[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]'' magazine: ''Shows many features from the National Geographic Magazine.'' |
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* [[New York Times]]: ''A collection of news stories from the popular New York City newspaper.'' |
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* Rumsey Historical Maps: ''Shows a collection of historic maps, dating back to the 1600s.'' |
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* [[Travel]] and [[Tourism]] |
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** 100% Pure New Zealand |
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** [[Egypt]] Tourism |
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** Japan Tourism |
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** [[Korea]] Tourism |
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** [[Kyoto]] Tourism |
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** [[South Africa]] Tourism |
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** Turn Here: City Video Guides |
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** [[Walt Disney World Resort]] |
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* Trimble Outdoor Trips: ''A collection of [[hiking trails]] with recordings.'' |
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* [[Volcanoes]] |
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* Webcams.travel: ''A collection of [[webcams]] around the world |
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* [[YouTube]]: ''A collection of popular videos on YouTube.'' |
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One of the co-founders of Keyhole has published a first-hand account claiming to debunk the origins, timelines and interpretations depicted in the fictionalized miniseries.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bar-Zeev|first=Avi|date=October 14, 2021|title=Was Google Earth Stolen?|url=https://avibarzeev.medium.com/was-google-earth-stolen-7d1b821e589b|access-date=October 17, 2021|website=Medium|language=en|archive-date=October 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017210813/https://avibarzeev.medium.com/was-google-earth-stolen-7d1b821e589b|url-status=live}}</ref> Not shown in the mini-series was that the patent owned by ART+COM and used to challenge Google was completely invalidated, after it was shown that another so-called TerraVision, this one at the Stanford Research Institute, predated ART+COM's ideas by several years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 25, 2017 |title=CAFC affirms invalidity of geographic map visualization patent asserted against Google Earth |url=https://ipwatchdog.com/2017/10/25/cafc-affirms-invalidity-geographic-map-visualization-patent-asserted-against-google-earth/id=89554/ |access-date=October 23, 2023 |website=IPWatchdog.com {{!}} Patents & Intellectual Property Law |language=en |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114175707/https://ipwatchdog.com/2017/10/25/cafc-affirms-invalidity-geographic-map-visualization-patent-asserted-against-google-earth/id=89554/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===Global awareness=== |
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A collection of services spreading global awareness. The layer was provided by [[Google Earth Outreach]]. |
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* [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] Mountaintop removal |
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* [[ARKive]]: [[Endangered species]] |
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* [[Earthwatch Expeditions]] |
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* [[Fair Trade Certified Mark|Fair Trade Certified]] |
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* [[Global Heritage Fund]] |
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* [[Greenpeace]] |
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* [[Jane Goodall]]'s [[Gombe State, Nigeria|Gombe]] [[Chimpanzee]] Blog |
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* The Earth from Above with Goodplanet |
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* The Elders: Every Human Has Rights |
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* [[United Nations Development Programme|UNDP]]: Millennium Development Goals Monitor |
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* [[United Nations Environment Programme|UNEP]]: Atlas of our Changing Environment |
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* [[United Nations Children's Fund|UNICEF]]: Water and [[Sanitation]] |
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* [[United States Holocaust Memorial Museum|USHMM]]: World is Witness |
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* [[War in Darfur]] |
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* [[WaterAid]] |
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* [[World Wide Fund for Nature|WWF]] Conservation Projects |
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== |
== See also == |
||
* [[Elevation]] |
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* Animal Tracking |
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* [[ |
* [[Esri]], publisher of ArcGIS Earth |
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* [[Flyover (Apple Maps)]], similar 3D feature on [[Apple Maps]] |
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* [[BBC]] Earth |
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* |
*[[List of space flight simulation games]] |
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*[[Planetarium software]] |
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* Cousteau Ocean World |
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*[[List of observatory software]] |
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* Explore the Ocean |
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* [[Orthophotomap]], the type of aerial and satellite imagery present in Google Earth |
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* [[Marine Protected Area]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.protectplanetocean.org |title=Protectplanetocean.org |publisher=Protectplanetocean.org |date= |accessdate=2011-08-06}}</ref> |
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* [[Virtual globe]], the category of software that includes Google Earth |
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* [[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]] |
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** Magazine Quiz |
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** Ocean Atlas |
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* Ocean Expeditions |
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* Ocean Sports |
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** Dive Spots |
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** Kite Surfing Spots |
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** Surf Spots |
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* [[Shipwreck]]s |
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* State of the Ocean |
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* [[Marie Tharp]] Historical Map |
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* Underwater Features |
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===Sky layers=== |
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Layers for [[Google Sky]]. |
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* Welcome to Sky: An introduction to the Sky mode. |
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* Current Sky Events |
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** EarthSky Podcasts<ref>[http://www.earthsky.org EarthSky.org]</ref> |
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** Hubblecast |
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** StarDate by the [[University of Texas]] |
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** VOEventNET |
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* Our Solar System: Shows locations, [[orbits]] and information of the [[Solar System]]. |
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* Backyard [[Astronomy]]: Shows information about [[constellation]]s and other space sights visible from a backyard [[telescope]]. |
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* Featured Observatories |
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** [[Hubble Space Telescope|Hubble]] Showcase |
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** [[Spitzer]] [[Infrared]] Showcase |
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** [[GALEX]] [[Ultraviolet]] Showcase |
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** [[Chandra X-ray Observatory|Chandra X-Ray]] Showcase |
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** [[WMAP]] [[Microwave]] Showcase |
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** [[IRAS]] Infrared Sky |
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* Education Center |
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** [[Celestron]] SkyScout [[Sound|Audio]] |
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** [[Virtuality|Virtual]] [[Tourism]] |
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** User's Guide to [[Galaxies]] |
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** Life of a Star |
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* Historical Sky Maps |
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** Rumsey Star Maps |
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** Hevelius Constellations |
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* Sky Community: Posted [[KML]] files in the Sky [[Internet forum|forum]] in the Google Earth Community. |
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===Mars layers=== |
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* Featured Satellite Images |
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* Global Maps |
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* Place Names |
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* Mars Gallery |
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** A Traveler's Guide to Mars |
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** Rovers and Landers |
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* Spacecraft Imagery |
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==See also== |
|||
* [[Bhuvan]] |
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* [[Bing Maps for Enterprise]] (previously [[Microsoft Virtual Earth]]) |
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* [[Geoweb]] |
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* [[KML]] |
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* [[Marble (KDE)]] |
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* [[Monster Milktruck]], a game played using Google Earth technology |
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* [[NASA World Wind]] |
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* [[Oracle Spatial]] |
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* [[Orthophotomap]] |
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* ''[[Planet Google]]'', a book by Randall Stross about Google and its products, including Earth. |
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* [[Web mapping]] |
* [[Web mapping]] |
||
== |
== References == |
||
* [[CNES]] |
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* [[DigitalGlobe]] — the provider of [[high resolution]] imagery to Google Earth |
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* [[EarthSat]] |
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* First Base Solutions |
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* [[GeoEye#Satellites|GeoEye-1]] (ORBVIEW-3's successor) |
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* [[GlobeXplorer]] |
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* [[IKONOS]] (ORBVIEW-2 is successor) |
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* [[Pictometry International]] |
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* [[Spot Image]] |
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* Aerometrex |
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* Sinclair Knight Merz |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist|30em}} |
{{Reflist|30em}} |
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==External links== |
== External links == |
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<!-- Do not add commercial sites, social sites, discussion sites, community sites, games, or |
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{{Commons category}} |
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weblogs. Also, do not add links to other wikis that are not very large and stable. --> |
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{{GeoGroup}} |
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{{commons category}} |
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* {{Official website}} |
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{{GeoGroupTemplate}} |
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* [https://www.blog.google/products/maps/ Official Google Maps and Earth blog] |
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* [https://www.google.com/earth/outreach/index.html Google Earth Outreach] |
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* [https://earth.google.com/web/data=ClUSUxIgZDY1OGRjYWIzNjlhMTFlOGFjNmU2OWJjN2I2ZDI2Y2EaGjNEIEltYWdlcnkgaW4gR29vZ2xlIEVhcnRoIhNsYXllcl8zZGNvdmVyX3BhbmVs Map of 3D-imagery coverage in Google Earth] |
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{{Google LLC}} |
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===Official and related sites=== |
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{{Google Maps navbox}} |
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<!-- Do not add commercial sites, social sites, discussion sites, community sites, games, or |
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{{Android}} |
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weblogs. Also, do not add links to other wikis that are not very large and stable. --> |
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{{Astronomy software}} |
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* {{Official website|http://earth.google.com/}} |
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* [http://google-latlong.blogspot.com Google LatLong] – News and notes by the Google Earth and Maps team |
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===Unofficial guides and tips=== |
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<!-- Do not add commercial sites, social sites, discussion sites, community sites, games, or |
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weblogs. Also, do not add links to other wikis that are not very large and stable. --> |
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* [http://www.gearthblog.com/ Google Earth Blog]: Google Earth news, tips, and updates |
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* [http://googlesightseeing.com/ Google Sightseeing] – Guide to interesting and unusual sights |
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* [http://www.ogleearth.com/ Ogle Earth] – Google Earth news site charting innovative uses and political implications of Google Earth |
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* [http://www.jogtheweb.com/play/vWtFwfVndYCs Google Earth in Education] – A guided tour by a teacher for teachers, students and all. |
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* [http://googleearth2mapsource.wikispaces.com/ Google Earth 2 Mapsource] Edit GPS tracks in Mapsource and Google Earth. |
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* [http://www.globezoom.info/wbb2/hmportal.php/ Google Earth Germany]: Germany's Google Earth Portal |
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===Placemarks and overlays=== |
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<!-- Do not add commercial sites, social sites, discussion sites, community sites, games, or |
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weblogs. Also, do not add links to other wikis that are not very large and stable. --> |
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* [http://www.nkeconwatch.com/north-korea-uncovered-google-earth/ North Korea Uncovered] – An extensive mapping of North Korea's economic, cultural, political, and military infrastructures, [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124295017403345489.html/ featured in the Wall Street Journal]. |
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* [http://www.gearthhacks.com/ Google Earth Hacks] – A collection of over 25,000 files for use with Google Earth |
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* [http://www.kcl.ac.uk/geodata King's College London's Collection of KML databases] |
|||
* [http://hubblesite.org/explore_astronomy/gsky/ STScI's community contributions to Sky website] |
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* [http://www.googleearthanomalies.com Google Earth Anomalies]- Satellite imagery of documented, scientific anomaly sites including mound sites and unexplained circular features via Google Earth |
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===Tools=== |
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<!-- Do not add commercial sites, social sites, discussion sites, community sites, games, or weblogs. Also, do not add links to other wikis that are not very large and stable. --> |
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* [http://docs.codehaus.org/display/GEOSDOC/Google+Earth GeoServer] – Server to generate KML from Shapefiles, ArcSDE, Oracle, PostGIS, MySQL, GeoTiff, ArcGrid, with support for Network links, superoverlays, time and custom pop-ups. |
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* [http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/map?form=googleearth GPSVisualizer] – Will convert GPS data for use in Google Earth. |
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* [http://googleearthtoolbox.googlecode.com GoogleEarthToolbox] – Matlab & Octave functions that output KML. |
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* [http://placesurf.com PlaceSurf] – Dynamic KML file generator |
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{{Google Inc.|corporate=no}} |
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{{GoogleMaps}} |
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{{Earth}} |
{{Earth}} |
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{{Portal bar|Geography|Astronomy|Stars|Solar System|Science}} |
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Latest revision as of 02:55, 21 December 2024
Original author(s) | Keyhole, Inc. | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Developer(s) | |||||||||
Initial release | June 10, 2001 | ||||||||
Stable release(s) [±] | |||||||||
| |||||||||
Preview release(s) [±] | |||||||||
Written in | C++, Dart | ||||||||
Operating system | |||||||||
Available in | Various languages | ||||||||
Type | Virtual globe | ||||||||
License | Freeware | ||||||||
Website | earth |
Google Earth is a web and computer program that renders a 3D representation of Earth based primarily on satellite imagery. The program maps the Earth by superimposing satellite images, aerial photography, and GIS data onto a 3D globe, allowing users to see cities and landscapes from various angles. Users can explore the globe by entering addresses and coordinates, or by using a keyboard or mouse. The program can also be downloaded on a smartphone or tablet, using a touch screen or stylus to navigate. Users may use the program to add their own data using Keyhole Markup Language and upload them through various sources, such as forums or blogs. Google Earth is able to show various kinds of images overlaid on the surface of the Earth and is also a Web Map Service client. In 2019, Google revealed that Google Earth covers more than 97 percent of the world.[8]
In addition to Earth navigation, Google Earth provides a series of other tools through the desktop application, including a measure distance tool. Additional globes for the Moon and Mars are available, as well as a tool for viewing the night sky. A flight simulator game is also included. Other features allow users to view photos from various places uploaded to Panoramio, information provided by Wikipedia on some locations, and Street View imagery. The web-based version of Google Earth also includes Voyager, a feature that periodically adds in-program tours, often presented by scientists and documentarians.
Google Earth has been viewed by some as a threat to privacy and national security, leading to the program being banned in multiple countries.[9] Some countries have requested that certain areas be obscured in Google's satellite images, usually areas containing military facilities.
History
[edit]The core technology behind Google Earth was originally developed at Intrinsic Graphics in the late 1990s. At the time, the company was developing 3D gaming software libraries.[10] As a demo of their 3D software, they created a spinning globe that could be zoomed into, similar to the Powers of Ten film.[10] The demo was popular, but the board of Intrinsic wanted to remain focused on gaming, so in 1999, they created Keyhole, Inc., headed by John Hanke.[10] Keyhole then developed a way to stream large databases of mapping data over the internet to client software, a key part of the technology,[11] and acquired patchworks of mapping data from governments and other sources.[10] The product, called "Keyhole EarthViewer", was sold on CDs for use in fields such as real estate, urban planning, defense, and intelligence; users paid a yearly fee for the service.[11] Despite making a number of capital deals with Nvidia and Sony,[11] the small company was struggling to pay and retain employees.[10]
Fortunes for the company changed in early 2003 during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, when Dave Lorenzini (Director at Keyhole) enticed CNN, ABC, CBS and other major news networks to use their sophisticated 3D flyby imagery to illustrate Baghdad Activities for viewers, in exchange for on-air attribution.[11][10] During the invasion, It was used extensively by Miles O'Brien and other on-air broadcasters, allowing CNN and millions of viewers to follow the progress of the war in a way that had never been seen before.[11][10] Public interest in the software exploded and Keyhole servers were not able to keep up with demand.[11][10] Keyhole was soon contacted by the Central Intelligence Agency's venture capital firm, In-Q-Tel,[12] and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency,[13] for use with defense mapping databases, which gave Keyhole a much-needed cash infusion.[10] Intrinsic Graphics was sold in 2003 to Vicarious Visions after its gaming libraries did not sell well, and its core group of engineers and management including Brian McClendon and Michael Jones transitioned to Keyhole with Hanke remaining at the head.[10]
At the time, Google was finding that over 25% of its searches were of a geospatial character, including searches for maps and directions.[10] In October 2004, Google acquired Keyhole as part of a strategy to better serve its users.[14]
In 2021, Google replaced its layers feature with a new one on its Google Earth software.[15] This replacement consolidated some layers, but also removed some layers and features.[16]
Imagery
[edit]Google Earth's imagery is displayed on a digital globe, which displays the planet's surface using a single composited image from a far distance. After zooming in far enough, the imagery transitions into different imagery of the same area with finer detail, which varies in date and time from one area to the next. The imagery is retrieved from satellites or aircraft.[17] Before the launch of NASA and the USGS's Landsat 8 satellite, Google relied partially on imagery from Landsat 7, which suffered from a hardware malfunction that left diagonal gaps in images.[18] In 2013, Google used datamining to remedy the issue, providing what was described as a successor to the Blue Marble image of Earth, with a single large image of the entire planet. This was achieved by combining multiple sets of imagery taken from Landsat 7 to eliminate clouds and diagonal gaps, creating a single "mosaic" image.[19] Google has since used myriad sources to provide imagery in a higher quality and with greater frequency.[20] Imagery is hosted on Google's servers, which are contacted by the application when opened, requiring an Internet connection.
Imagery resolution ranges from 15 meters to 15 centimeters except for the ocean floor, which ranges from 1 km to 100 m.[21] For much of the Earth, Google Earth uses digital elevation model data collected by NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission.[22] This creates the impression of three-dimensional terrain, even where the imagery is only two-dimensional.
Google asserts that every image created from Google Earth using satellite data provided by Google Earth is a copyrighted map. Any derivative from Google Earth is made from data on which Google claims copyright under United States Copyright Law. Google grants license to this data allowing, among other things, non-commercial personal use of the images (e.g., on a personal website or blog) as long as copyrights and attributions are preserved.[23] By contrast, images created with NASA's globe software WorldWind use The Blue Marble, Landsat, or USGS imagery, each of which is in the public domain.
In version 5.0, Google introduced Historical Imagery, allowing users to view earlier imagery. Clicking the clock icon in the toolbar opens a time slider, which marks the time of available imagery from the past. This feature allows for observation of an area's changes over time.[24] Utilizing the timelapse feature allows for the ability to view a zoom-able video as far back as 38 years.[25]
3D imagery
[edit]Google Earth shows 3D building models in some cities, including photorealistic 3D imagery made using photogrammetry.[26] The first 3D buildings in Google Earth were created using 3D modeling applications such as SketchUp and, beginning in 2009, Building Maker,[27] and were uploaded to Google Earth via the 3D Warehouse. In June 2012, Google announced that it would be replacing user-generated 3D buildings with an auto-generated 3D mesh.[28] This would be phased in, starting with select larger cities, with the notable exception of cities such as London and Toronto which required more time to process detailed imagery of their vast number of buildings. The reason given is to have greater uniformity in 3D buildings and to compete with Nokia Here and Apple Maps, which were already using this technology. The coverage began that year in 21 cities in four countries.[29] By early 2016, 3D imagery had been expanded to hundreds of cities in over 40 countries, including every U.S. state and encompassing every continent except Antarctica.
In 2009, in a collaboration between Google and the Museo del Prado in Madrid, the museum selected 14 of its paintings to be photographed and displayed at the resolution of 14,000 megapixels inside the 3D version of the Prado in Google Earth and Google Maps.[30][31]
Street View
[edit]On April 15, 2008, with version 4.3, Google fully integrated Street View into Google Earth.[32] Street View displays 360° panoramic street-level photos of select cities and their surroundings. The photos were taken by cameras mounted on automobiles, can be viewed at different scales and from many angles, and are navigable by arrow icons imposed on them.
Using Street View on Google Earth, users can visit and explore 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with historical context and pins for each. The sites include the Great Pyramid, the Taj Mahal, Sagrada Família, the Dolomites, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the Great Sphinx.[33]
In 2019, Walt Disney World and Pixar partnered with Google to create Pixar Street View. A unique activation that enabled viewers to search for hidden Pixar Easter eggs inside Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios through street view. This creative collaboration elevated Pixar's iconic tradition of hiding Easter eggs in films and introduced it to an immersive new platform.[34]
Water and ocean
[edit]Introduced in Google Earth 5.0 in 2009, the Google Ocean feature allows users to zoom below the surface of the ocean and view the 3D bathymetry. Supporting over 20 content layers, it contains information from leading scientists and oceanographers.[35] On April 14, 2009, Google added bathymetric data for the Great Lakes.[36][37]
In June 2011, Google increased the resolution of some deep ocean floor areas from 1-kilometer grids to 100 meters.[21] The high-resolution features were developed by oceanographers at Columbia University's Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory from scientific data collected on research cruises. The sharper focus is available for about 5 percent of the oceans. This can be seen in the Hudson off New York City, the Wini Seamount near Hawaii, and the Mendocino Ridge off the U.S. Pacific coast.[38]
Outer space
[edit]Google has programs and features, including within Google Earth, allowing exploration of Mars, the Moon, the view of the sky from Earth and outer space, including the surfaces of various objects in the Solar System.
Google Sky
[edit]Google Sky is a feature that was introduced in Google Earth 4.2 on August 22, 2007, in a browser-based application on March 13, 2008,[39] and to Android smartphones, with augmented reality features. Google Sky allows users to view stars and other celestial bodies.[40] It was produced by Google through a partnership with the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, the science operations center for the Hubble Space Telescope. Alberto Conti and his co-developer Carol Christian of STScI planned to add the public images from 2007,[41] as well as color images of all of the archived data from Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys. Then-newly released Hubble pictures were added to the Google Sky program as soon as they were issued.
New features such as multi-wavelength data, positions of major satellites and their orbits as well as educational resources are provided to the Google Earth community and also through Christian and Conti's website for Sky.[42] Also visible on Sky mode are constellations, stars, galaxies, and animations depicting the planets in their orbits. A real-time Google Sky mashup of recent astronomical transients, using the VOEvent protocol, is provided by the VOEventNet collaboration.[43] Other programs similar to Google Sky include Microsoft WorldWide Telescope and Stellarium.
Google Mars
[edit]Google Mars is an application within Google Earth that is a version of the program for imagery of the planet Mars. Google also operates a browser-based version, although the maps are of a much higher resolution within Google Earth, and include 3D terrain, as well as infrared imagery and elevation data. There are also some extremely high-resolution images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's HiRISE camera that are of a similar resolution to those of the cities on Earth. Finally, there are many high-resolution panoramic images from various Mars landers, such as the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, that can be viewed in a similar way to Google Street View.
Mars also has a small application found near the face on Mars. It is called Meliza, a robot character the user can speak with.[44]
Google Moon
[edit]Originally a browser application, Google Moon is a feature that allows exploration of the Moon. Google brought the feature to Google Earth for the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 2009.[45] It was announced and demonstrated to a group of invited guests by Google along with Buzz Aldrin at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.[46][47] Google Moon includes several tours, including one for the Apollo missions, incorporating maps, videos, and Street View-style panoramas, all provided by NASA.
Other features
[edit]Google Earth has numerous features that allow the user to learn about specific places. These are called "layers", and include different forms of media, including photo and video. Some layers include tours, which guide the user between specific places in a set order. Layers are created using the Keyhole Markup Language, or KML, which users can also use to create customized layers.[48] Locations can be marked with placemarks and organized in folders; For example, a user can use placemarks to list interesting landmarks around the globe, then provide a description with photos and videos, which can be viewed by clicking on the placemarks while viewing the new layer in the application.
In December 2006, Google Earth added a new integration with Wikipedia and Panoramio. For the Wikipedia layer, entries are scraped for coordinates via the Coord templates. There is also a community layer from the project Wikipedia-World. More coordinates are used, different types are in the display, and different languages are supported than the built-in Wikipedia layer.[49][50] The Panoramio layer features pictures uploaded by Panoramio users, placed in Google Earth based on user-provided location data. In addition to flat images, Google Earth also includes a layer for user-submitted panoramic photos, navigable in a similar way to Street View.
Google Earth includes multiple features that allow the user to monitor current events. In 2007, Google began offering users the ability to monitor traffic data provided by Google Traffic in real-time, based on information crowdsourced from the GPS-identified locations of cell phone users.[51]
Flight simulators
[edit]In Google Earth 4.2, a flight simulator was added to the application. It was originally a hidden feature when introduced in 2007, but starting with 4.3, it was given a labeled option in the menu. In addition to keyboard control, the simulator can be controlled with a mouse or joystick.[52][53] The simulator also runs with animation, allowing objects such as planes to animate while on the simulator.[54]
Another flight simulator, GeoFS, was created under the name GEFS-Online using the Google Earth Plug-in API to operate within a web browser. As of September 1, 2015, the program now uses the open-source program CesiumJS, due to the Google Earth Plug-in being discontinued.[55]
Liquid Galaxy
[edit]Liquid Galaxy is a cluster of computers running Google Earth creating an immersive experience. On September 30, 2010, Google made the configuration and schematics for their rigs public,[56] placing code and setup guides on the Liquid Galaxy wiki.[57] Liquid Galaxy has also been used as a panoramic photo viewer using KRpano, as well as a Google Street View viewer using Peruse-a-Rue[58] Peruse-a-Rue is a method for synchronizing multiple Maps API clients.[59]
Versions
[edit]This article is missing information about the specific versions and their respective differences.(January 2023) |
Google Earth has been released on macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The Linux version began with the version 4 beta of Google Earth, as a native port using the Qt toolkit. The Free Software Foundation considers the development of a free compatible client for Google Earth to be a High Priority Free Software Project.[60] Google Earth was released for Android on February 22, 2010,[61] and on iOS on October 27, 2008.[62][63] The mobile versions of Google Earth can make use of multi-touch interfaces to move on the globe, zoom or rotate the view, and allow to select the current location. An automotive version of Google Earth was made available in the 2010 Audi A8.[64] On February 27, 2020, Google opened up its web-based version of Earth to browsers like Firefox, Edge, and Opera.[65][66]
Version | Release date | Changes |
---|---|---|
1.0 | June 10, 2001 | |
1.4 | January 2002 | |
1.6 | February 2003 | |
1.7.2 | October 2003 | |
2.2 | August 2004 | |
3.0 | June 2005 |
|
4.0 | June 2006 | |
4.1 | May 2007 | |
4.2 | August 2007 |
|
4.3 | April 2008 |
|
5.0 | May 2009 |
|
5.1 | November 2009 | |
5.2 | July 2010 |
|
6.0 | March 2011 |
|
6.1 | October 2011 | |
6.2 | April 2012 |
|
7.0 | December 2012 |
|
7.1 | April 2013 |
|
7.3 | July 2017 |
|
8.0 | October 2014 |
|
9.0 | April 2017 | |
10.0 | September 2023 |
|
Google Earth Pro
[edit]Google Earth Pro was originally the business-oriented upgrade to Google Earth, with features such as a movie maker and data importer. Up until late January 2015, it was available for $399/year, though Google decided to make it free to the public.[72][73] Google Earth Pro is currently the standard version of the Google Earth desktop application as of version 7.3.[74] The Pro version includes add-on software for movie making, advanced printing, and precise measurements, and is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.[75]
Google Earth Plus
[edit]Discontinued in December 2008, Google Earth Plus was a paid subscription upgrade to Google Earth that provided customers with the following features, most of which have become available in the free Google Earth.[76] One such feature was GPS integration, which allowed users to read tracks and waypoints from a GPS device. A variety of third-party applications have been created which provide this functionality using the basic version of Google Earth by generating KML or KMZ files based on user-specified or user-recorded waypoints.
Google Earth Enterprise
[edit]Google Earth Enterprise is designed for use by organizations whose businesses could take advantage of the program's capabilities, for example by having a globe that holds company data available for anyone in that company.[77] As of March 20, 2015, Google has retired the Google Earth Enterprise product, with support ended on March 22, 2017.[78] Google Earth Enterprise allowed developers to create maps and 3D globes for private use, and host them through the platform. GEE Fusion, GEE Server, and GEE Portable Server source code was published on GitHub under the Apache2 license in March 2017.[79]
Google Earth Studio
[edit]Google Earth Studio is a web-based version of Google Earth used for animations using Google Earth's 3D imagery. As of June 2021, it is preview-only and requires signing up to use it.[80] It features keyframe animation, presets called "Quick-Start Projects", and 3D camera export.[81]
Google Earth 9
[edit]Google Earth 9 is a version of Google Earth first released on April 18, 2017, having been in development for two years.[82] The main feature of this version was the launching of a new web version of Google Earth.[83] This version added the "Voyager" feature, whereby users can view a portal page containing guided tours led by scientists and documentarians.[84] The version also added an "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, represented by a die, which takes the user to a random location on Earth along with showing them a "Knowledge Card" containing a short excerpt from the location's Wikipedia article.[84]
Google Earth Plug-in
[edit]The Google Earth API was a free beta service, allowing users to place a version of Google Earth into web pages. The API enabled sophisticated 3D map applications to be built.[85] At its unveiling at Google's 2008 I/O developer conference, the company showcased potential applications such as a game where the player controlled a milktruck atop a Google Earth surface.[86] The Google Earth API has been deprecated as of December 15, 2014, and remained supported until December 15, 2015.[87] Google Chrome ended support for the Netscape Plugin API (which the Google Earth API relies on) by the end of 2016.[88]
Google Earth VR
[edit]On November 16, 2016, Google released a virtual reality version of Google Earth for Valve's Steam computer gaming platform.[89][90] Google Earth VR allows users to navigate using VR controllers, and is currently compatible with the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive virtual reality headsets. On September 14, 2017, as part of Google Earth VR's 1.4 update, Google added Street View support.[91]
Google Earth Outreach
[edit]Google Earth Outreach is a charity program, through which Google promotes and donates to various non-profit organizations. Beginning in 2007, donations are often accompanied by layers featured in Google Earth, allowing users to view a non-profit's projects and goals by navigating to certain related locations.[92] Google Earth Outreach offers online training on using Google Earth and Google Maps for public education on issues affecting local regions or the entire globe. In June 2008, training was given to 20 indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest, such as the Suruí, to help them preserve their culture and raise awareness for the problem of deforestation.[93]
Non-profit organizations featured in Google Earth via the Outreach program include Arkive, the Global Heritage Fund, WaterAid, and the World Wide Fund for Nature.[94][95]
Google Earth Engine
[edit]Google Earth Engine is a cloud computing platform for processing satellite imagery and other geospatial and observation data. It provides access to a large database of satellite imagery and the computational power needed to analyze those images.[96] Google Earth Engine allows observation of dynamic changes in agriculture, natural resources, and climate using geospatial data from the Landsat satellite program, which passes over the same places on the Earth every sixteen days.[97][98] Google Earth Engine has become a platform that makes Landsat and Sentinel-2 data easily accessible to researchers in collaboration with the Google Cloud Storage.[97] Google Earth Engine provides a data catalog along with computers for analysis; this allows scientists to collaborate using data, algorithms, and visualizations.[99] The platform provides Python and JavaScript application programming interfaces for making requests to the servers,[100] and includes a graphical user interface[101] for developing applications.
An early prototype of Earth Engine, based on the Carnegie Institute for Science's CLASlite system and Imazon's Sistema de Alerta de Desmatamento (SAD) was demonstrated in 2009[102] at COP15, and Earth Engine was officially launched in 2010[103] at COP16, along with maps of the water in the Congo Basin and forests in Mexico produced by researchers using the tool.
In 2013, researchers from University of Maryland produced the first high-resolution global forest cover and loss maps using Earth Engine, reporting an overall loss in global forest cover.[104] Other early applications using Earth Engine spanned a diverse variety of topics, including: Tiger Habitat Monitoring,[105] Malaria Risk Mapping,[106] Global Surface Water,[107] increases in vegetation around Mount Everest,[108] and the annual Forest Landscape Integrity Index.[109] Since then, Earth Engine has been used in the production of hundreds of scientific journal articles[110] in many fields including: forestry and agriculture, hydrology, water quality monitoring and assessment,[111] natural disaster monitoring and assessment, urban mapping, atmospheric and climate sciences and soil mapping.[110]
Earth Engine has been free for academic and research purposes since its launch, but commercial use was prohibited until 2021, when Google announced a preview of Earth Engine as a commercial cloud offering and early adopters that included Unilever, USDA and Climate Engine.[112]
Controversy and criticism
[edit]The software has been criticized by a number of special interest groups, including national officials, as being an invasion of privacy or posing a threat to national security. The typical argument is that the software provides information about military or other critical installations that could be used by terrorists. Google Earth has been blocked by Google in Iran[113] and Sudan[114] since 2007, due to United States government export restrictions. The program has also been blocked in Morocco since 2006 by Maroc Telecom, a major service provider in the country.[115]
In the academic realm, increasing attention has been devoted to both Google Earth and its place in the development of digital globes. In particular, the International Journal of Digital Earth features multiple articles evaluating and comparing the development of Google Earth and its differences when compared to other professional, scientific, and governmental platforms.[116] Google Earth's role in the expansion of "Earth observing media" has been examined to understand how it is shaping a shared cultural consciousness regarding climate change and humanity's capacity to treat the Earth as an engineerable object.[117]
Defense
[edit]- In 2006, one user spotted a large topographical replica in a remote region of China. The model is a small-scale (1/500) version of the Karakoram Mountain Range, which is under the control of China but claimed by India. When later confirmed as a replica of this region, spectators began entertaining military implications.[118][119]
- In July 2007, it was reported that a new Chinese Navy Jin-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine was photographed at the Xiaopingdao Submarine Base south of Dalian.[120]
- Hamas and the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades have reportedly used Google Earth to plan Qassam rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza. (See: Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel)[121][122]
- On February 13, 2019, 3D imagery was launched in four of Taiwan's cities: Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung. This has caused concerns from Taiwanese officials, such as Taiwan's Defense Minister Yen Teh-fa, saying that the 3D imagery exposed some of its Patriot missile sites. Ten days later on February 23, Google confirmed that it would be removing all of its 3D imagery from Taiwan.[123][124][125]
National security
[edit]- Former President of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam expressed concern over the availability of high-resolution pictures of sensitive locations in India.[126] Google subsequently agreed to censor such sites.[127]
- The Indian Space Research Organisation said Google Earth poses a security threat to India and seeks dialogue with Google officials.[128]
- The South Korean government expressed concern that the software offers images of the presidential palace and various military installations that could possibly be used by its hostile neighbor North Korea.[129]
- In 2006, Google Earth began offering detailed images of classified areas in Israel. The images showed Israel Defense Forces bases, including secret Israeli Air Force facilities, Israel's Arrow missile defense system, military headquarters and Defense Ministry compound in Tel Aviv, a top-secret power station near Ashkelon, and the Negev Nuclear Research Center. Also shown was the alleged headquarters of Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence service, whose location is highly classified.[130]
- As a result of pressure from the United States government, the residence of the Vice President at Number One Observatory Circle was obscured through pixelization in Google Earth and Google Maps in 2006, but this restriction has since been lifted. The usefulness of this downgrade is questionable, as high-resolution photos and aerial surveys of the property are readily available on the Internet elsewhere.[131] Capitol Hill also used to be pixelized in this way. The Royal Stables in The Hague, Netherlands, also used to be pixelized. This is also true for airports in Greece.
- The lone surviving gunman involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks admitted to using Google Earth to familiarise himself with the locations of buildings used in the attacks.[132]
- Michael Finton, aka Talib Islam, used Google Earth in planning his attempted September 24, 2009, bombing of the Paul Findley Federal Building and the adjacent offices of Congressman Aaron Schock in Springfield, Illinois.[133]
Other concerns
[edit]- Operators of the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, asked Google to censor high-resolution pictures of the facility.[134] They later withdrew the request.[135]
- In 2009, Google superimposed old woodblock prints of maps from 18th- and 19th-century Japan over Japan today. These maps marked areas inhabited by the burakumin caste, formerly known as eta (穢多), literally "abundance of defilement", who were considered "non-humans" for their "dirty" occupations, including leather tanning and butchery. Descendants of members of the burakumin caste still face discrimination today and many Japanese people feared that some would use these areas, labeled etamura (穢多村 "eta village"), to target current inhabitants of them. These maps are still visible on Google Earth, but with the label removed where necessary.[136]
- Late 2000s versions of Google Earth require a software component running in the background that will automatically download and install updates. Several users expressed concerns that there is not an easy way to disable this updater, as it runs without the permission of the user.[137]
- In February 2014, the Berlin-based ART+COM charged that Google Earth products infringe U.S. Patent No. RE44,550, entitled "Method and Device for Pictorial Representation of Space-related Data" and had remarkable similarity to Terravision which was developed by ART+COM in 1993 and patented in 1995.[138] The court decided against Art+Com both at trial[139] and on appeal[140] because trial testimony showed that Art+Com was aware of an existing, substantially similar invention that it failed to mention as "prior art" in its patent application, thereby invalidating their patent. Stephen Lau, a former employee of federally funded, not-for-profit Stanford Research Institute ("SRI") testified that he helped develop SRI Terravision, an earth visualization application, and that he wrote 89% of the code. He further testified that he shared and discussed SRI Terravision code with Art+Com. Both systems used a multi-resolution pyramid of imagery to let users zoom from high to low altitudes, and both were called Terravision. Art+Com agreed to rename their product because SRI's came first. Stephen Lau died from COVID-19 in March 2020.[141]
In popular culture
[edit]Google Earth is featured prominently in the 2021 German miniseries The Billion Dollar Code, which serves as a fictionalized account of a 2014 patent infringement lawsuit brought against Google by the German creators of Terravision.[142] The series, which was shown on Netflix is prefaced by an episode of interviews with the ART+COM developers of Terravision and their legal representative.[143]
One of the co-founders of Keyhole has published a first-hand account claiming to debunk the origins, timelines and interpretations depicted in the fictionalized miniseries.[144] Not shown in the mini-series was that the patent owned by ART+COM and used to challenge Google was completely invalidated, after it was shown that another so-called TerraVision, this one at the Stanford Research Institute, predated ART+COM's ideas by several years.[145]
See also
[edit]- Elevation
- Esri, publisher of ArcGIS Earth
- Flyover (Apple Maps), similar 3D feature on Apple Maps
- List of space flight simulation games
- Planetarium software
- List of observatory software
- Orthophotomap, the type of aerial and satellite imagery present in Google Earth
- Virtual globe, the category of software that includes Google Earth
- Web mapping
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External links
[edit]- Google Earth
- Google software
- Virtual globes
- Web mapping
- Android (operating system) software
- GIS software
- IOS software
- Internet software for Linux
- Keyhole Markup Language
- MacOS Internet software
- Remote sensing software
- Software that uses Qt
- Windows Internet software
- 2001 software
- Satellite imagery
- 2004 mergers and acquisitions
- Google acquisitions
- Freemium