Reading Week Post: Google Earth

Google Earth is a unique tool developed by Google that allows anyone to travel the world by way of a virtual globe. Using Google Earth one can view satellite imagery, various maps, 3D buildings, and terrain. Not only does Google Earth allow us to explore our own planet including the depths of the oceans, but it also provides a look into our solar system, moon, and even Mars. Google Earth has transformed drastically since its initial release in 2001 and is widely available on many platforms including PC, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux. Not only is Google Earth an interesting way to kill some time, but it has some significant benefits in terms of research and education. In week 5 of our Digital Humanities course, we were shown some of the ways in which Google Earth has educational benefits. For example, Google Earth allows users to zoom in and essentially view a specific location from a street view angle, however, from different historical periods. In class, this was demonstrated by viewing Earth from a biblical time period. Google Earth also allows users to view specific locations from a 360 degree view, providing the best view without physically being at the location.

 There is also a Pro version of Google Earth, which was once a paid service, but is now free. Google Earth Pro allows people to be more productive by offering distance, area, and 3D measurements. Also, while there is no difference in on screen resolution between the two products, the Pro version offers extremely high resolution print images. The Pro version also includes the ability to make premium quality movies, map multiple points at once, a map making tool, and batch geocoding addresses. All of these features are not necessarily something that the casual Google Earth user may need, but they are definitely beneficial to those that are conducting research.

One of my favourite features in Google Earth was released in the newest version, Google Earth 5.0. Google Earth version 5.0 introduced the ability to view the planet Mars. Not only can you view images of the planet, but you can also explore 3D renderings of the Martian terrain. Some notable features on Mars that one may want to explore are Valles Marineris, the largest known canyon in the solar system, or the ever popular face on Mars. The video below does a great job of highlighting all of the features of Mars within Google Earth 5.0

           As we can see, Google Earth is one of the most innovating GIS tools available online. It has value for scholars in a number of fields, as well as a value to individuals just interested in our planet and its surroundings.