GoogleEarth

__Google Earth __ Charles Padera & Andrea Falana


 * __ Overview __**

Google Earth was released to the public in 2005 giving free access to world imagery data with the click of a mouse. It was the fore front in providing the internet viewers a tool that provided a graphic user interface for viewing the whole globe. The imagery allows use to zoom in and out using a progressive JPEG rendering platform. Never had such an intuitive and powerful world satellite imagery tool been available to such a large audience of viewers.


 * __ Google Earth Impact __**

====Ever since the release of Google Earth users have been providing feedback and Google has also made additional features. These features have allowed people to view streets, buildings, landmarks, and various topographical features of the planet. But, one unforeseen consequence was that google had digital imagery of sensitive areas such as private homes and locations, military bases, and strategic buildings of various countries. These issues were brought to the attention of google and the company has "scrubbed" through the imagery. Scrubbing is searching for a sensitive area of a digital image that is not suppose to be visible by everyone. Many times it will be blurred, smudged, or similar adjacent terrain features will be cloned over it in a semi seemless manner.==== ||
 * Blotted Image
 * Blotted Image


 * __Educational Uses__**

====Google Earth has extreme potential and use for teaching world geography. The application could be used as a supplmental tool for a geography course quite easily. The good thing about Google Earth is that it is free to use. This makes it a cheap alternative to using large maps or purchasing interactive software applications.====

Google has information for educators on how Google Earth can aid in teaching various subjects in the classroom. These subjects include:
 * Ecology
 * Environmental Science
 * Biology
 * Global Awareness
 * Geology
 * History
 * Humanities
 * Literature
 * Math

Teachers have posted feedback on this website explaining how they have implemented in within their own lesson plans. Various testimonials explain how they augment it into the classroom and many of the teachers give positive feedback.


 * __Links__**

[|**http://earth.google.com/**] Official site of Google Earth and software download location.

[|Google Earth Lessons]

**__Pros & Cons__**

=
Google Earth has an intuitive graphic user interface and is easy to use for someone with basic computer skills. The learning curve is quick so the student can jump into using it quickly. Google Earth is also being updated constantly to provide more features and better functionality. The search ability also allows you to find particular areas of interest and gather local shop, traffic, and weather information. Google Earth also has an Iphone version. Some drawbacks are still needing to be identified and fixed. Google Earth needs certain system requirements and a decent video card in order to run smoothly. Google Earth currently needs Flash player installed. Other glitches are present on slower systems.=====

Legally, Google Earth still has some controversy and challenges ahead. I am amazed at how it still remains free. Google accomplishes this by allowing businesses to advertise through the software and allow them to be a featured location within a specific area.

__**References**__
^ "Google Earth Product Family". Retrieved 2010-01-19. []

^ "Google Earth, meet the browser".Retrieved 2010-01-18 []

^ "Dive into New Google Earth". Retrieved 2010-01-18. []