Google Earth 3D

Google Earth 3D is a service provided by Google to see online map, geographic information, distance between any two places and many more. The program originally called as Earth Viewer, maps the Earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS 3D globe. It is available under three different licenses

1. Google Earth: Google Earth is a free version with limited functionality.

2. Google Earth Plus: Google Earth Plus includes additional features.

3. Google Earth Pro: Google earth Pro is a paid version $400 per year, which is intended for commercial use.

Google Earth was created by Keyhole.Inc, a company acquired by Google in 2004. The product was re-released in 2005 as Google Earth, available for use on personal computers running Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista etc. It is also available as browser plug-in released in 2008 for browsers Firefox, Safari 3, IE6 and IE7. It was also made available on the iPhone OS since October 27, 2008, as free download from App Store.

Google Earth displays satellite images of varying resolution from earth surface. Google Earth allows user to scan through cities, houses, roads at any oblique angle of our choice. The resolution is made available based on points of interest and popularity. But most of the land (except for some islands) is covered in at least 15 meters of resolution. In some countries, it allows user to search addresses, enter coordinates, or simply use the mouse to browse to a location.

For larger parts of the Earth surface, only 2D images are available, from almost vertical photography. For other parts, 3D images of terrain and buildings are available. Google Earth uses digital elevation model (DEM) data collected by NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). It can view the Gran Canyon or Mount Everest in three dimensions. With help of 3D views many mountains, including Mount Everest, have been improved by the use of supplementary DEM data to fill the gaps in SRTM coverage.

Many people using the applications are adding their own data and making them available on Google Earth. Google Earth is able to show all kind of images overlaid on the surface of the earth and is also a Web Map Service client. Google Earth has the capability to show 3D buildings and structures (such as bridges).

Google Earth helps user to find out exact location, distance between two places, and many more on the Earth. If you are planning to visit any new place and you are unknown to that place, then nothing to worry, Google Earth is always there for our rescue.