Product Reviews Net » Google Earth

Google Earth New Recycling Models: Huge Potential

Peter Chubb — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:24:24 +0000

Over the years Google Earth has seen a number of real-time data feeds implemented into the service. However, we can safely say that there has never been one with recycling models. There is such a huge potential, one that could spawn a number of new possibilities thanks to iNovmapping. The information so far is very limited, so only offering real-time data on bus information and recycling.

All you need to do is either click on the bus stop or the recycling container for information to come up, which you can see by visiting Google Earth Blog. The best thing about this is that you do not need to have KMZ files for it to work, although they do help you locate the models.

The developers have used an iFrame in order for real-time to work, making it much easier to update the information inside these 3D models. So what is the potential? First is being able to locate a beach house with real-time rental prices, opening hours for bars and restaurant, what is happening in conference centers and so much more.

This does show that there is still a lot to come from Google Earth, and developers have a knack of making the service greater than the sum of its parts. It is like the smartphone in one respect, it is a great device out the box, but it is app developers that make them so much better.

What Real-time models would you like to see on Google Earth?

More About: Environment, Google Earth

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Additional Trike Images for Google Street View

Peter Chubb — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:08:19 +0000

Google Street View has been growing year-on-year, and over the past few years things have expanded even more. The reason behind this was because taking images with a car is limited in the way that it can only drive go on roads. However, additional images are now included in the database thanks to the Google Street View Trike.

Now we can enjoy many more images, such as parks, landmarks, hiking trails and so much more. We thought that we would discuss this today, as more images have now been made available. If you have had enough of looking at Stonehenge and other such places of interest, then you will be pleased to know that other new imagery added yesterday include the National Botanic Gardens in Ireland, Château de Chenonceaux and Balboa Park.

More often than not Google has asked soccer players to pedal these trikes, as MercuryNews explains that they are very heavy and harder to pedal than your average trike or cycle. Soccer players usually have very strong legs, so will find it much easier to pedal – just hope that Google are prepared to pay damages if they tear a ligament?

It is no secret that Google Earth Street View has had its fair share of controversy, we would normally sit on the fence on this one, but you cannot help but see the benefits. Yes there are those that abuse such a great service, but this makes life so much easier for not only you and I, but for students as well.

What do you think Google has planned for the future of Street View?

More About: google, Google Earth, Google Street View

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From Google Earth To Live TV

Peter Chubb — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:36:00 +0000

When Google Earth was launched we had no idea how popular it would become, so many companies use the service, but one has decided to develop its own system that will overlay labels on it just as Google does. What makes this so special is how it will be used on live TV with images that have been relayed from a helicopter.

The broadcaster about to use the new service is NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai) and the system in question is called SkyMap – sounds like something from Terminator. The data sent has the helicopters GPS position, zoom level and what direction that the camera is facing, all of which will then be digested by the computer mapping software.

Once all the information has been processed a virtual map will appear, showing what the real camera is seeing. Then SkyMap will be able to put labels on certain landmarks so he viewer will know just where things are, just as Google Earth does, but in real-time.

PC World says that this system is in use in other areas, The IDG News Service has an interesting video on YouTube that shows this system in action. There is even a chance that it could be used in time for the 2010 London Olympics.

Would you like such a system to be used for your daily traffic broadcasts? What else could this new system be used for?

More About: google, Google Earth

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Google Earth 6: 3D Trees and Street View Update

Alan Ng — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:43:06 +0000

We have some good news for regular users of Google Earth, as we can confirm that a new version of the software is now available to download. Google Earth 6 adds some signifcant changes to the software and we have a cool video which demonstrates a few of them.

As Engadget reports, Google Earth has been given a facelift, and the next time you boot up the new software, you’ll see that Google has added some rather 3D virtual trees next to searched locations, to make the final result look at lot more visually impressive.

They have also added deeper intregration with Google Street View, letting you see 3D environments whenever you search for a particular location. According to the Google blog, the historical imagery system has also been given an update too.

You can check out the new features by watching the video below. Let us know if you have already used some of the new features in Google Earth 6 – do you like them?

More About: Google Earth, Google Earth 6, Google Street View

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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Route on Google Earth

Peter Chubb — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:09:37 +0000

Macy’s 84th Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 25th will see 3.5 million people lining the streets to watch this yearly event, and a further 50 million will watch the event on TV. For those of you who would like to see the planned route of all the floats, then Google Earth has it for you.

The Macy’s Parade will start at 77th Street and Central Park West; it will then go south towards Central Park West, then turning east to Central Park South. The best way to study the complete route is by visiting Macy’s website or on Google Earth here.

There is to be seven new floats for 2010, along with two new balloons. The new float themes are as follows: Dora the Explorer, a replica of Mount Rushmore and more. There is to be a tour of the parade route on Tuesday before Thanksgiving by the Boy and Girl Scout troops and schoolchildren from the area.

Using Google Earth will give you a great idea of the route rather than reading the directions, as you can zoom in and recognize a place rather than the name of the street. Do you think using Google Earth to view Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2010 will make it easier for you to pick an ideal spot to view the event? View deals from Macy’s Black Friday ad.

More About: Google Earth, Macy's, Thanksgiving 2010

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Norad Santa Tracker 2010: Countdown Imminent

Peter Chubb — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:19:46 +0000

With just 39 days to go till Christmas there is one thing on children’s minds, Norad Santa Tracker 2010. While visiting the official website we were met with the message “Come Back on December 1st”, so we do not have that long to wait until the countdown begins.

Each Year Santa Tracker uses Norad and Google Earth technology to track Santa Claus / Father Christmas, as he makes his long journey around the world on the same night. We can all remember those iconic scenes where he was flying past the “Golden Gate Bridge”.

Once the countdown begins that is when the fun usually starts for children, there will be a number of games that you can play, as well as look around the small little village where all the toys are made.

Come back here on December 1st when Santa Tracker 2010 goes live and begins its countdown. You never know, there could be a few new surprises this year?

More About: Christmas 2010, Google Earth, Santa Tracker

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Street View: Derbyshire Thief Caught By Google

Peter Chubb — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:22:24 +0000

Over the past few months there has been a lot of controversy with Google’s Street View cars, but who would have thought that it would help to catch a thief instead of entice them? Well that’s just what happened when a Street View car passed by a house in Derbyshire.

The story starts of normal where a child was doing what we have all done, looking up his house on Street View. It was then that he noticed an SUV in the drive, along with a man standing by the vehicle. At the time the family’s white caravan was there, which had been stolen over a year ago.

The family then contacted the police and showed them the same image, and they both agreed that this guy could be the thief. The Derbyshire police have now asked for a close-up of the alleged culprit’s face. Helen A.S. Popkin from MSNBC wonders why they never zoomed in on the license plate instead?

Google Street View has certainly had its fair share of bad press, and yes while we agree that some things have been questionable. I still believe that it is a tool that should never be banned – let us hope that Google abide privacy laws now.

More About: google, Google Earth, Street View

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Election Day 2010: Google Maps and Where To Vote Tuesday

Peter Chubb — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:23:13 +0000

Tomorrow is Tuesday November 1, 2010, and will be the midterm elections. There is just one day until the polls open, so why not find out where to vote now by using Google Maps. It has never been easier to cast your vote, and those of you who worry about not being able to find were you can vote, then Google Labs makes it easier for you.

Over the years technology has become an important part of election results, but when it comes to counting them – nothing seems to replace the human counting system. You can be certain now that you will see the candidates doing the rounds, which is the most they do all year.

Back to the Google Election Center page, you will find a huge search bar. All you have to do is enter your full home address where you are registered to vote, making certain that you enter your city and state. Then all the details will be shown up for you – you cannot get any simpler than that?

We will take a look at other forms of technology used for elections in a later post; such as apps for your smartphone. Remember this is the final election push, so listen to what the candidates have to say before casting your vote.

More About: google, Google Earth, Google Maps

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Google Street View Cars: Roof Cameras Not Enough

Peter Chubb — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:31:34 +0000

While driving in the city I noticed a car with a camera perched up high on the roof, in an instant I knew that this was a Google Street View car. These cars are used to map a road so that the images can then be used on their Google Earth program. It is no secret that some people are not happy with these cars, but when the Privacy Regulator in Italy announced that Google will need to label their cars clearly I had to laugh.

Forgive me if I am wrong, but that camera that stands at least five feet above the roof tells me what it is, so why would you need a label as well? Reuters also reports that the regulators also said that Google will have to share information of the cars itinerary three days before. This will have to be done on the radio and sharing details with newspapers.

OK, we can understand that these Street View cars have been collecting emails and passwords via open Wi-Fi Networks, something that Google has been looking into.

However, I do not understand why people would need to know when the vehicle is coming, they see what we see on a daily basis.

Do you think that some of these recent European laws are now getting out of hand? There are millions of us who use such a service, and at least we know about it. What about those satellites that circle above the earth – we do not know what they are up too?

More About: google, Google Earth, Google Steet View

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Google Earth Maps: Oceans Added To iPhone, iPad, and iPod

Gary Johnson — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 16:47:13 +0000

Owners of the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad can now access the ocean layer after it was added to Google Earth recently.

Chole Albanesius of PCMAG is reporting in an article that after this update, owners of the devices can explore underwater landscapes and terrains.

Google wrote in a blog post “Dive below the ocean’s surface to explore underwater canyons, or travel to the ocean’s deepest point, the Mariana Trench. Once underwater, simply swipe the screen with two fingers to ‘look around.”

Curated by the Sylvia Earle Alliance, owners can view photos and videos from over one hundred contributors. There is support for the retina display found on the iPhone 4 and latest iPod Touch, making images “even sharper,” Google said.

To get access launch m.google.com/earth in your mobile browser. An Android version was released last month and can be found on the Android Market.

More About: Google Earth

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