Google are running a public beta of Google Earth, and in keeping with their “don’t be evil” policy, the basic version is free for anyone to enjoy.
It’s based on Keyhole EarthViewer which used to cost $29.95 for a subscription, so google are obviously relying on (a) the advertising revenue they can generate from this new search portal and (b) sales of the enhanced “Pro” “Fusion” and etc. versions that will be of interest to companies that want real-time 3D data integration.
Get it here.
If (like me) you find the controls amazingly clunky and non-intuitive, you might like to try WorldWind, on which the mouse-control is decidedly more dynamic. The major difference between the two products is that Google’s financial clout results in more high resolution imagery being available for places outside the USA.
I particularly like the following section from the license agreement:
Really?
Argh – still no Linux (or even Mac) versions for either of them!
At least the NASA version is open source..