» » » Google Earth gets a makeover: New map offer 3D views and guided tours of the planet's hidden gems

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Google has launched a re-imagined version of its free Earth mapping service, weaving in storytelling and artificial intelligence.
The new programme lets people get a close-up look of the planet from the comfort of their computers, smartphones or tablets.
The new-look Google Earth enables its users to learn about far-flung corners of the globe under the guidance of scientists from Nasa and prestigious research institutions. 

'This is our gift to the world,' Google Earth director Rebecca Moore said.
'It's a product that speaks to our deepest values around education and making information available to people.'
On opening the software, users are met with a view of the Earth from orbit.
Users can search for a location of choice, or use new features to explore areas they have never seen before.
Upon selecting a location, the futuristic programme starts to zoom into the continent and then country of the location of choice.
When another area is selected, the programme glides through the countries and oceans necessary to get to new location.
A new 'Voyager' feature enables people digitally exploring the planet to be guided on interactive stories told by experts, boasting partners including BBC Earth, Nasa, Sesame Street, and the Jane Goodall Institute.
Google artificial intelligence will be put to work for Earth users in the form of 'knowledge cards' that let them dive deeper into online information about mountains, countries, landmarks or other places being virtually visited.
It will also make suggestions on other locations armchair explorers might be interested in exploring based on what they have searched in the past.
'This is the first time we have done this deep integration with the Google Knowledge Graph,' Earth engineering manager Sean Askay said.

Google Earth's new start-up screen offers a global view of the Earth. Pictured is North America and South America as seen by satellites 

The Eiffel Tower stands tall among Paris's ancient grey buildings. Artificial intelligence is used to build 'knowledge cards' (top right) that let users dive deeper into online information
The Eiffel Tower stands tall among Paris's ancient grey buildings. Artificial intelligence is used to build 'knowledge cards' (top right) that let users dive deeper into online information. dailymail

New York's Empire State Building is pictured. The new programme lets people get a close-up look of the planet from the comfort of their computers and on Android smartphones
New York's Empire State Building is pictured. The new programme lets people get a close-up look of the planet from the comfort of their computers and on Android smartphones

'Everything Google knows about the world, you can know about the world.'
There is also a newly installed 'Feeling Lucky?' feature for people who want to let the software suggest hidden gems such as Pemba Island off the Swahili coast or the Oodaira Hot Spring in Yamagata, Japan.
People can choose to fly around the world in Earth, using a 3-D button to see the Grand Canyon, Chateau Loire Valley and other stunning spots from any angles they wish.

The London Eye (left), Westminster Bridge (middle) and the Houses of Parliament (right) in London are visible in stunning detail on the new software
The London Eye (left), Westminster Bridge (middle) and the Houses of Parliament (right) in London are visible in stunning detail on the new software

Not all of the world's sites can be seen from close-up. The Great Pyramid at Giza and the Pyramid East can only be seen from overhead, but in more detail than ever before
Not all of the world's sites can be seen from close-up. The Great Pyramid at Giza and the Pyramid East can only be seen from overhead, but in more detail than ever before

'With the new Earth, we want to open up different lenses for you to see the world and learn a bit about how it all fits together; to open your mind with new stories while giving you a new perspective on the locations and experiences you cherish,' Earth product manager Gopal Shah said in a blog post.
Online explorers cruising the mobile version of Earth can also capture pictures on their travels, sending friends digital postcards.
New Earth was launched on Google's Chrome and Android software, with versions tailored for Apple devices and other internet browsing software promised soon.

There is also a newly installed 'Feeling Lucky?' feature to let users see 3D views of the world's hidden gems. When activated, the feature selected Jioufen, a mountain town in northeastern Taiwan 
There is also a newly installed 'Feeling Lucky?' feature to let users see 3D views of the world's hidden gems. When activated, the feature selected Jioufen, a mountain town in northeastern Taiwan 

When pressed a second time, the software selected Yellowstone National Park in the US. The park's 3,000 square mile (7,770 square km) mountain range is captured in close detail
When pressed a second time, the software selected Yellowstone National Park in the US. The park's 3,000 square mile (7,770 square km) mountain range is captured in close detail

The new 'Voyager' feature enables people digitally exploring the planet to be guided on interactive stories told by experts. Pictured is a tour of world's best cities for wildlife by BBC Earth series producer Fredi Devas
The new 'Voyager' feature enables people digitally exploring the planet to be guided on interactive stories told by experts. Pictured is a tour of world's best cities for wildlife by BBC Earth series producer Fredi Devas, dailymail

It's the first time that Earth can be reached on a web browser instead of through applications installed on devices.
The move allows Google to tap into more powerful computing power at data centers in the internet 'cloud' instead of relying on the capabilities of smartphones and other devices.
The new Google Earth is available now on Chrome or on Android. 
It will arrive on iOS devices later this year. dailymail
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