GoogleEarth
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Google Earth 9 on Google Chrome.
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| Original author(s) | Google Inc. |
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| Developer(s) | Google Inc. |
| Initial release | June 11, 2001 |
| Stable release |
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| Preview release |
Windows, macOS, Linux 7.1.2.2041 (October 31, 2013) |
| Written in | C++ |
| Operating system | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Size |
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| Type | Virtual globe |
| License | Freeware |
| Website | earth |
Google Earth is a computer program that renders a 3D representation of Earth based on satellite imagery. The program maps the Earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS data onto a 3D globe, allowing users to see cities and houses at various angles. Google Earth allows users to search for addresses for some countries, and enter coordinates.
The user can navigate Google Earth using a keyboard or mouse. Users may use the program to add their own data, making them available through various sources, such as forums or blogs. Google Earth is able to show various kinds of images overlaid on the surface of the earth and is also a Web Map Service client. Google Earth supports managing three-dimensional geospatial data through Keyhole Markup Language (KML).
Google Earth has been viewed by some as a threat to privacy and national security, leading to the program being banned in multiple countries. Some countries have requested that certain areas be obscured in Google's satellite images, usually areas containing military facilities.
Google Earth was originally developed by Keyhole, Inc., a Mountain View-based company founded in 2001. Keyhole, after being spun off from Intrinsic Graphics, received funding from the Central Intelligence Agency's venture capital firm, In-Q-Tel and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, in addition to smaller capital from Nvidia and Sony. Keyhole developed the program under the name Keyhole EarthViewer, and sold the product for uses in fields such as real estate, urban planning, defense, and intelligence. Google acquired the company in 2004, driving public interest in geospatial technologies and applications.
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Wikipedia