Google Earth
September 23rd, 2005
If you haven’t played with Google Earth yet, you’re missing out.
In short, it’s a free PC app that lets you explore the surface of our planet. Made up of stitched-together satellite images, it’s like having a globe on your computer, but one with incredible resolution (at best you can almost make out car models in Manhattan [links require Google Earth]), and loads of switchable geographic details, like national boundaries, roads, place names …even bars and ATM’s. You can also adjust the tilt to see relief information, and can play with orientation at will, which allows for all kinds of fancy fly-bys (check out the Grand Canyon).
I’ve burned several evenings playing around with it and, indeed, I don’t think I can recommend Google Earth unless you’re looking to procrastinate big-time.
Highlight so far is the rush as you click on a bookmark in and watch the planet spin and zooms until the village you grew up in pans into view. Breathtaking, even though the UK doesn’t seem to be covered to too great a resolution. Highly recommended.
Nice Google Earth related items include a piece on The Register titled Google Earth threatens democracy; and a story about and Italian programmer who discovered the remains of a Roman Villa near his house.
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