Google Earth

Google Earth is a virtual map that was created by Keyhole Inc, which was a pioronneering software that was acquired by Google in 2004. The map is made by satellite images, aerial photographs and GIS (Geographic Information System) 3D globe. Google Earth can be used for a number of things, and has multiple features. For example, one can try to locate one's house or school that one attends, or use the flight simulator to fly through the Alps. One can also see 3D buildings in certain areas, look at the sky and see constellations and galaxies, or find a famous place and use street view to see it from a pedestrian's view.

I find the fact that one is able to do all these things quite incredible, because it allows people to see anything from a different perspective.



The Flight Simulator

The flight simulator is a simulator that allows you to control a plane. In the picture to the left, the user is flying over downtown Toronto in a 'F16 Fighting Falcon. In order to access the flight simulator one must click CTRL + ALT + A.



The Street Mode

The street mode can be used to look at the maps on Google earth from a pedestrians view. This can be quite fun, although one major disadvantage is that you can only chose a few selected places and not where you please.



The Sky Mode

The sky mode can be used for viewing constellations and Galaxies in the sky. However Google sky faces competition with a program for Microsoft Word called the Microsoft WideWorld Telescope. In order to access sky mode, one should press a circular space button and select switch to sky (or switch to earth if one is already in Sky mode).




Overall, I would say that Google Earth is a brilliant map and can keep one entertained for hours. It keeps on developing and will soon have even more special gadgets that can be used.