When it was first released in June 2001, Google Earth's world views were composed of 2D composite shots, with limited street views and detail. Now, 16 years later, as the ninth incarnation is released, Google Earth has finally come of age.
With a new standalone website, the virtual globe has reached a point of staggering definition. The simplicity of the original format remains the same, allowing you to select a destination and go, however, your options are far greater than ever before.
The most impressive feature in the latest version of Google Earth is its collaboration with BBC Earth to explore the incredible natural diversity around the world. From swimming sloths in Escudo de Veraguas, Panama – an incredible an oddly relaxing video - to red kangaroos in the Australian outback, Google Earth's collaboration means that not only can you access videos of animals in their natural habitat, but you can do so with accompanying narration from Sir David Attenborough.
This creates a fantastic opportunity to learn more about wildlife in a multi-faceted format – allowing you to zoom in on the Australian outback, studying the landscape whilst also watching a video in the sidebar about how kangaroo's stay hydrated.
Did you know that kangaroos lick their forearms to avoid heatstroke? Read more: Make your own Planet Earth-style documentaries with this BBC app
This is just one of the many weird and wonderful facts from the Google and BBC collaboration, bringing together documentary filmmakers and biologists from across the world, with the hope of adding more content as the project develops.
You can additionally explore endangered species around the world, with fact files including their vulnerability status, information about the animal and the various threats they face.
Another new feature allows you to follow rangers through the hidden wonders of national parks around the world. This means that you can go "on journeys to places most people never go” from Hawaiian volcanoes to inside the Carlsbad Caverns.
As part of the redesign, Google Earth now has knowledge cards, using information from Wikipedia to help you explore local landmarks.
When you orbit the world in 3D, far from the blurry blobs that would greet you in previous renditions of Google Earth, you are now met with impressive little sculptures that pop up in startling definition. Clicking around the streets of Paris, the Eiffel tower is impressive, with every iron lattice animated.
A staggering amount of detail has been added and the visuals are stunning. You can move from famous London landmarks with ease, following well-defined roads and watching as a 3D Shard rises up from London's skyline.
With the Voyager feature, you can choose which adventures you want to follow across the world from the most dramatic mountain ranges to unusual lakes. Read more: David Attenborough has 430-million-year-old lobster fossil named in his honour
There's now even a red Google dot at the very peak of Mount Everest.
Elsewhere in this section, you can choose from the best selections Google Earth has to offer, with options for editor’s picks, travel, nature, culture and history, plus you can save any locations to ‘your places' if you sign in with a Google Account. This creates a more personalised experience as you navigate your favourite sights.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
