Google Earth: The Power Of Virtual Mapping

Google Earth is a computer-based map of the earth that gives you the image of any

certain place by overlaying the image compiled from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS 3D globe. It is an application software that incorporates geographical information along with the map of a certain area specified by the user

Known as Earth Viewer 3D, Google Earth comes along with a free but limited version available to the public. The advanced versions of the software are Google Earth Plus and Google Earth Pro. These versions are supported by different operating systems like Windows 2000, Mac OS X, Linux Kernel and even the Iphone.

Google Earth allows the user to look at several places, countries, cities or other regions at a certain view with an allowable degree of image resolution. The user can choose to search locations by typing in the address (only allowed in some countries) or by simply using the mouse to navigate the map. Images vary depending on geographical structure, popularity of the place, land area and Google Earth version. The images can be viewed in 2D and 3D manner depending on the degree of resolution. Melbourne, Victoria, (Australia) and Las Vegas, Nevada are some of the places with high degree of resolution. The rest of the world are often viewed in 2D perspective and adjusting these to 3D makes the image smaller and somehow similar to a photographic view.

Image presentations vary because of these important factors: geographical structure, popularity of the place, amount of area of scope and Google Earth version. Images can be viewed in 2D or 3D with different resolutions. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and Las Vegas, Nevada have high degree of resolution. Large portions of the earth can be viewed in 2D perspective. Altering the view mode of a 2D image to 3D will make the image smaller.

To improve feature specifications, Google Earth has undergone several modifications for a more refined viewing. In version 4.2, Google Sky becomes available. Stars, planets and other heavenly bodies can be seen through this added feature. Version 4.3 has the added Google Street view feature which allows users to observe places at street level and to monitor traffic movements. Google Ocean in version 5.0 displays images of underwater terrains accredited by renowned scientist and oceanographers. The application of digital elevation model data from NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission has paved the way for 3D images of terrains and buildings.

Google Earth as a powerful tool can benefit the whole society if used responsibly. It can be used to aid studies and researches, monitor disasters such as the Haiti earthquake, provide additional information in classrooms, forecast business possibilities and so much more. The system also has a share of controversial issues based from concerns over invasion of privacy and threats to security. One example is when South Korea appealed to block images of the country's presidential palace and military bases to protect the nation from its rival and neighboring country: South Korea. In the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the gunman confessed that he used Google Earth while he formulated his terrorism tactics.

In general, Google Earth has become an important tool designed to improve existing systems like navigation, business and education. Like any powerful instrument, "with great power comes great responsibility.

by: Brady Anderson

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