Google Earth is a mapping program that uses satellite imagery and aerial photography to create a 3D map of the world. Users can explore virtually any area on Earth, and there are two versions available: a free version and a pro version for large companies. The newest version, Earth 5.0, has educational features, including historical change and an ocean layer. Users can select locations by address or coordinates, and there is a flight simulator feature. Google Earth is becoming a useful tool for mapping directions and learning about different regions, with endless learning possibilities.
Google Earth is a mapping program created by a Google company called Keyhole, Inc. It was originally called Earth Viewer when it was released in 2001, but upon its re-release in 2005, the name was changed to Google Earth. The program uses satellite imagery and aerial photography to create a 3D map that allows viewers to see buildings, terrain and geographic landmarks in distant cities.
Google Earth users can travel around the world, zooming in on interesting features and exploring virtually any area on Earth. There are currently two versions of Google Earth. One is a free version available to everyone, but more advanced users can purchase Google Earth Pro which currently costs $400. The pro version is great for large companies that want to use collaboration tools, but the free version offers plenty of features for most users.
The newest version, Earth 5.0, is only available in beta form right now, but it has amazing educational features. It allows viewers to select an area and see decades of historical change, such as urban sprawl and melting ice caps, as if watching a movie in fast forward. A new ocean layer is also included, and sea lovers can dive to the bottom of the ocean to explore aquatic life. Another popular feature is the sharing capability. Google Earth allows users to create tours of their favorite places which can be recorded, narrated and sent to friends.
Users can select locations by address, coordinates or simply by using the mouse to explore, drag and click on areas of interest. With different zoom levels, viewers can see the layout of a city from an aerial view or zoom down to street level. There is also a 3D tilt function to view buildings from different angles. A flight simulator feature allows Google Earth users to get a pilot’s view as he flies from country to country.
Not all cities or towns are available in 3D, but contributors keep adding information and Google Earth is fast becoming a help not only as an exploratory novelty, but as a tool for mapping directions and learning about different regions. As popularity increases, so does access to information for everyone, and the learning possibilities are endless. The latest version of Google Earth has even added a separate globe for Mars, and outer space explorers now have access to high-resolution images of the Martian terrain.
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