Google Earth

Chris MacDonaldBUS345: M/W 11:45-1

Professor ChinnNovember 8th, 2010

What is Google Earth?

• “Google Earth allows you to travel the world through a virtual globe and view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, and much more. With Google Earth's rich, geographical content, you are able to experience a more realistic view of the world. You can fly to to your favorite place, search for businesses and even navigate through directions. It's all up to you!”-earth.google.com

Birth of Google Earth

• Google Street View launched in 2007

Created as EarthViewer3D by Keyhole Inc., a satellite data company in 2001

Google bought Keyhole in 2004, renaming the software Google Earth

Versions of Google Earth

-Portable version

-Google Earth

-Google Earth Pro

Coverage and Features

• Features:– Discover the Earth– Explore the Sky– Dive in the Ocean– Walk on the Moon– Visit Mars

Coverage:25 countries 7 continents

Recently in Google Earth

• “We hope this new imagery will help people in Ireland, Brazil, and even the penguins of Antarctica to navigate nearby, as well as enable people around the world to learn more about these areas." Brian McClendon, vice-president of engineering at Google Earth and Maps

Launched street view in Antarctica

Launched street view in Ireland and Brazil.

Business Uses

Example : Volkswagen of America

-Integrates with GPS and RFID systems,

-Easy to use

-Consumer-facing applications

Research

-Risky areas/areas of concern

-Expansion opportunities

-Availability of land and resources

-Assets of a particular region-Scout out nearby competition

Real Estate

• Visit neighborhoods without having to go in person to decide possibilities.

• Identify resources in a particular region/neighborhood. – Example: A map can be created to show

how far a house is from local schools, supermarkets, hospitals, etc.

State/Federal Uses

Defense Intelligence

Environment

Space research

Land management

Homeland Security

Controversy

• Poses a threat to national security– Banned in many countries

Privacy Issues

So what are we waiting for?

Let’s go somewhere!

Pick a place. ANY place!