Google Earth Gets Featured Content

[Slimy]

Google on Wednesday plans to deliver an update to its Google Earth application that includes content from a number of premium sources. The features are overlaid atop areas in a map so users can learn about their significance.

Perhaps the most notable addition is before and after imagery provided by the United Nations Environmental Program, which shows 100 areas of extreme environmental degradation around the world. Users can click to see how the Earth has changed in the past 30 years, primarily for the worse, and learn about crisis zones.

Discovery Networks, meanwhile, is offering virtual tours of the world's major attractions, cities and natural wonders. Three to five-minute video segments will play within Google Earth, detailing the history and significance of major landmarks.

Content from the National Parks Service will overlay information on over 10,000 trails and 58 national parks atop satellite images, offering detailed park descriptions and visitor information. The Jane Goodall Institute will let users track Fifi and the other Gombe preserve chimpanzees from within Google Earth.

A Turn Here feature includes city video guides told from an insider's perspective, Google says, connecting users to hidden gems in cities around the world from New York to Stockholm.

Google says the initial list of content providers will be expanded and updated automatically over time. Users can recognize the content features through special icons, and is located in Google Earth's "Layers" section. Existing users will see the new content show up without having to update their software.

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[ToneKnee]

I watched Sky News use Google Earth today when they were showing that Guns Raid thing. Was surprised.

[Brodel]

I watched Sky News use Google Earth today when they were showing that Guns Raid thing. Was surprised.

Yea, they use it on the BBC a lot too I think. That feature looks really good though, I can see myself wasting hours on google earth with more features like this.

[xxpor]

They have alot of ****ing nerve if they charge for the National Park Info, becuse its all public domain info anyway.

[gadean]

gets better and better!

[Elliot B.]

Featured Content has been there for a few days now.

[Cyber Dog]

They have alot of ****ing nerve if they charge for the National Park Info, becuse its all public domain info anyway.

Who said anything about charging?

[WhoTheF]

Awww... I was in Africa.. and never got a chance to climb Kilimanjaro.. the snows melting :(

[tiagosilva29]

Chimp Tracking! Now I know where those ************s hide!

[Elliot B.]

Chimp Tracking! Now I know where those ************s hide!

lol :laugh:

[xxpor]

Who said anything about charging?

Noone, I assumed when I saw Premium content, that it meant $$$

[L3thal Veteran]

That sounds enchanting. Maybe I will start using Google Earth more often on my free time, or lack there of.

[Quillz]

Sounds cool. Google Earth keeps getting better!

[alsiladka]

Even the Indian News channels use Google Earth !!!

Lol , have seen them use it quite a few time.

[Crazysah]

Yeah same here. Google Earth is definately great!

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

"Premium Content" usually implies $$$.

Bot sod that, I want decent quality mapping of Leicestershire.