Google Earth

The level of detail Google Earth achieves offers endless opportunities for gathering data, researching neighborhoods and exploring the world in rich detail that refreshes itself consistently. The company's massive focus on fine-tuning this powerful tool is evident in the evolution this software has taken from mapping terrain to fully simulating navigational features. The Street View feature shows the true scale of Google Earth's reality-inspired vision, a project that continues to refine its method of capturing photographic images of every corner of the world in order to maintain its massive database. Continued developments have also led to ocean views beneath the surface, as well as underwater data for America's Great Lakes. Mars, the moon and other celestial wonders have all been given the Google Earth treatment, as well, and provide a trove of scientific perspective on the planets and galaxies both near and far, far away. Features like these have led to such enthusiastic followings among fans of Google Earth that the company allows for a variety of ways to get involved with development. Because of the authority Google Earth holds as a digital mapping and geographic measuring tool, many organizations and academic institutions depend on its data for their work. Researchers with the University of Maryland have used its information in their reports and the Carnegie Institute for Sciences partnered with Google to build maps for gathering environmental data. Certain areas of the world and highly classified locations cannot be shown via any of Google Earth's layers, a move some may think is controversial or necessary depending on the need. Google Earth continues to develop its maps in accordance and agreement with other organizations and governing bodies to abide by laws and protections for each location.