Google Earth Celebrates 20 Years of Innovative Exploration
Google has matured into a technology giant, with many of its popular products now over two decades old. Among these, Google Earth stands out, marking an impressive milestone as it celebrates its 20th birthday this year. The platform, which initially began as a groundbreaking mapping service, has evolved significantly over the years.
New Features Unveiled for a Special Anniversary
To commemorate this significant anniversary, Google has introduced historical Street View imagery accessible in Google Earth. In their recent blog post, the company stated, “Now, you can access historical Street View imagery right from Google Earth — and if you use Google Earth in a professional capacity, you can easily access new datasets, like tree canopy coverage for cities, land temperatures and more.”This expansion not only enhances user experience but also serves as a valuable tool for professionals in various fields.
A Historical Legacy of Exploration
Launched in June 2005, Google Earth revolutionized how users interact with digital geography, providing an interactive bird’s-eye view of the planet when mapping applications were still in their infancy. The software showcased intricate 3D models of buildings in major U. S.cities, integrated local search capabilities, and 3D terrains that displayed the world’s mountains, valleys, and canyons.
Users appreciated its ability to tilt, rotate, and explore various terrains, making it a critical resource after natural disasters, such as when Google collaborated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to deliver real-time imagery to first responders during Hurricane Katrina.
The Backbone of Google Earth: A Brief History
The technology behind Google Earth has its roots in Earth Viewer, developed by Keyhole Inc. Google acquired the company in 2004, subsequently rebranding the software to launch Google Earth. Initially, it was available for free as desktop software compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. While Google Earth Pro was initially sold for $399 annually, it is now offered free of charge.
The Distinctive Qualities of Google Earth
While both Google Earth and Google Maps were launched in 2005, their purposes diverge. Google Earth serves as a tool for exploration and research, whereas Google Maps focuses on navigation and real-time information retrieval. Users can enjoy an exhilarating flying animation as they navigate from one location to another and explore diverse terrains, including the ocean floor and other celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars.
Google Earth has proven valuable for scientific discovery, notably identifying rare coral reef ecosystems off the Australian coast, often dubbed “the rainforest of the sea.”It also gained cultural prominence from the 2016 film Lion, which depicted a man’s journey to reunite with his family using the application.
Innovations and Future Directions
Over the years, Google Earth has introduced a plethora of new features, including virtual reality support, distance measuring tools, the ability to curate virtual tours, and the Timelapse function. The revamped “new Google Earth”launched in 2017, featuring an “I’m Feeling Lucky”button and an engaging feature called Voyager.
In 2023, a redesign was introduced, enabling professionals to evaluate options for building and solar designs. Furthermore, the application now allows users to access historical aerial imagery dating back as far as 80 years, enhancing its utility for research and urban planning.
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