Google Earth is a virtual globe program that was originally created by Keyhole Inc. in 2001 and was later acquired by Google in 2004. It allows users to view satellite imagery and terrain of locations around the world. Google Earth has various features that let users explore Earth, the sky, oceans, and other planets. It has wide geographic coverage of countries and continents. Recent updates by Google Earth have provided street view imagery of new areas like Antarctica, Ireland, and Brazil to better showcase locations. Google Earth has business and research uses like location analysis and is also used in fields like real estate, defense, environmental research, and homeland security. However, some countries have banned it due to national security or privacy concerns.

1. Google Earth
Chris MacDonald
BUS345: M/W 11:45-1
Professor Chinn
November 8th, 2010

2. 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

3. 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

4. Versions of Google Earth
-Portable version
-Google Earth
-Google Earth Pro

5. 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

6. 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.

7. Business Uses
Example : Volkswagen of
America
-Integrates with GPS and RFID systems,
-Easy to use
-Consumer-facing applications

8. Research
-Risky areas/areas of concern
-Expansion opportunities
-Availability of land and resources
-Assets of a particular region
-Scout out nearby competition

9. 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.

10. State/Federal Uses
Defense Intelligence
Environment
Space
research
Land
management
Homeland
Security

11. Controversy
• Poses a threat to national security
– Banned in many countries
Privacy Issues

12. So what are we waiting for?
Let’s go somewhere!
Pick a place. ANY place!