Google Earth’s new updated versions
Google Earth is a tool, which can be used to view any place in any part of the world. It all started with Google acquiring KeyHole Inc. in 2004. It gives you access to terabytes of geospatial information. Although it is a downloadable tool the user needs to be connected to the internet to be able to use it. Its high-resolution images give you a bird's eye view of ancient sites, modern civilizations or let's just say your very own workplace. Although Google Earth has received a lot of flak by various organizations due to violation of privacy, nonetheless, it is a great aid. The latest version of Google Earth is Earth 4.3 and although it is still in beta mode, it has exciting new features to look forward to:
You get a three dimensional view of cities and structures. The number of accessible cities also has increased. In addition, with new navigation controls you can have a very real viewing experience. With the Light and Shadow feature, one can watch the sunrise and sunset and their effects by just moving the time slider. In addition, one can see the shadows move across the Earth as the sun moves. With Google Street View one can view the city in almost any direction and from any angle at the street level.
One can install Google Earth on any version of Windows OS after Windows 2000, inclusive of Windows 2000. In addition, Google Earth can be installed on a Linux and Mac operating system. Google Earth saves its files in KML (Keyhole Markup Language) format i.e. Google Earth's own file format. KML is an international standard maintained by the Open Geospatial Consortium and is used worldover by all mapping tools to store their geospatial data.
How to use Google Earth?
Here's a guide for amateurs who are just starting to use Google Earth: In the search dialog box, just type the name of the location you want to find. The overview map with the position indicator helps you to locate the place very easily. You can save the places that you have visited as placemarks in the My Places folder for future use. Similar to placemarks are paths and polygons, which you can create and save in the My Places folder. Overlaying of images on maps, layering of images for viewing specific points of interest, measuring the area, emailing and printing of images are other things that you can do. For users throughout the world, Google Earth comes in a plethora of languages. Deutsch, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, etc., you name it and they have it.
Once you have browsed through Google Earth, one question must have definitely crossed your mind i.e. Where does Google Earth get its data from? The maps available on Google Earth basically come from satellites and images taken from aircrafts. Google Earth gets these images from TeleAtlas and EarthSat.
The basic version of Google Earth is free but for the following versions have to be subscribed for.
Google Earth Pro: This version is the most suitable for consumers in the real estate or insurance business. With 3D drawing tools, various file formats you and your client can share and analyze information. Also you can create video clips and store them in a compressed form for presenting them to your clients.
Google Earth Plus: This version is intended for personal use. With a very high screen resolution, faster network and real time GPS tracking it is a boon for all those who want a power packed experience of Google Earth.
Google Earth Enterprise: Google Earth Enterprise allows you to integrate your business data with Google Earth's data. It allows you to create a map of your geographical dataset and customize the search for that data.
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