Google Earth

Google_Earth_icon

3D_locations_in_Google_Earth

Google_Earth_(iOS)_-_3D_Mode_at_Wisconsin_Dells_Great_Wolf_Lodge

Google_Earth_Mars

Google_Earth_Sky

Google_moon_1

Toronto_downtown

Google Earth is a 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.

History

Google Earth was originally developed by Keyhole, Inc., a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)-funded company acquired by Google in 2004. The product, re-released as Google Earth in 2005, was initially available for personal computers and later expanded to mobile devices.

Features

Google Earth offers several features, including:

• 3D Buildings: Users can view 3D representations of buildings in many cities around the world.
• Street View: This feature allows users to view and navigate through panoramic street-level images of various cities.
• Historical Imagery: Users can view historical satellite images of a location to see how it has changed over time.
• Flight Simulator: A built-in flight simulator allows users to fly around the globe using either a joystick or keyboard controls.
• Mars and Moon: Users can explore the surfaces of Mars and the Moon with detailed imagery and information.

Applications

Google Earth is used for various applications, including:

• Education: Teachers and students use Google Earth to explore geography, history, and other subjects.
• Urban Planning: City planners use Google Earth to visualize and plan urban development.
• Environmental Monitoring: Environmentalists use the program to monitor changes in the environment, such as deforestation and glacier retreat.
• Tourism: Tourists use Google Earth to explore destinations before visiting them.

Google Earth Pro

Google Earth Pro is a more advanced version of Google Earth, offering additional features such as:

• High-resolution printing: Users can print high-resolution images.
• GIS data import: Users can import and export GIS data.
• Movie Maker: Users can create movies of their virtual flights around the globe.

Related Pages

• Google Maps
• Satellite imagery
• Geographic information system
• Virtual globe
• Keyhole Markup Language

See Also

• Google Street View
• Google Earth Engine
• Google Earth Outreach