Google Earth dives into the oceans
Three years ago during a meeting between John Hanke, the director of Google earth and Sylvia Earle, one of the most famous oceanographers, the content of Google earth was brought up. A comment by Earle suggesting that Google earth be re-named to Google dirt because of the lack of oceanic exploration capabilities inspired Hanke to expand Google earth’s spectrum to include oceanic views.
The result was Google 5.0, which was revealed on February 2nd, 2009. According to the official Google blog, “you can actually drop below the surface and explore the nooks and crannies of the seafloor in 3D.” This involves the ability to explore the ocean including shipwrecks, video and photo images of undersea life, and even plot traveling ice from year to year.
Some of the consultants that Google used to collect this enormous amount of data included the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the National Geographic Society, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and many others.
The purpose of including the ocean in Google earth was to give users the ability to explore the beauty and scenery of the ocean. Most people never get to experience the bodies of water that make up seventy percent of the world’s surface. With Google earth now everyone can experience the wonder of undersea life.
Other features that have been included with this new update to Google earth are historical imagery, and views of the planet Mars.
Users can activate a time line in the Google earth menu that will allow them to travel back in time to experience the locations as the appeared in the past. This feature is largely limited to the time period of satellite imagery, but specific locations contain many photos and videos of the location from times past.
Users can also use Google earth to examine the planet Mars. Google earth collaborated with NASA to bring satellite images of Mars into their system. While most of the images are somewhat blurry, there are many facts and tidbits of information that can be investigated through Google earth.
One additional feature added to Google earth 5.0 is the touring feature. This allows users to record journeys they have taken and narrate them with their own personal stories and experiences. Users can also watch videos created by other users.
Google earth 5.0 is one of the most innovative and educational software available on the market. As time goes by it will continue to grow in size and information. Google earth is truly a program of the future.