Google Earth Beta

June 29th, 2005, by Rich.

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.

Steve Says:
June 30th, 2005 at 8:59 am

I particularly like the following section from the license agreement:

THE SOFTWARE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN THE OPERATION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES, AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION OR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, OR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL MACHINES OR ANY OTHER SUCH HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES IN WHICH CASE THE FAILURE OF THE SOFTWARE COULD LEAD TO DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR SEVERE PHYSICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.

Really?