Google Earth Sets Course for Open Seas

Google Earth has taken to the high seas with version 5.0. The popular geo-mapping application now contains more detail and information about the ocean floor, rather than the plain bluish green photos of the surface included in previous versions. Google teamed up with several scientific organizations to string together maps from under the sea.

Also in the offing for the fifth iteration of Google Earth are historical maps that allow users to look into the past and view images and changes to the planet over the course of time. There is also a new 3D Mars mapping feature and a new touring function that enables users to document and share their virtual journeys.

The addition of oceans makes Google Earth richer and more complete as an information resource. It also enables Earth to become a better teaching tool to students and users generally about the importance and role of the oceans in the planetary ecosystem. It's great that Google sought to include Ocean in Earth and to bring all these content partners together. It will help build awareness about climate change and its impact on the ocean. In addition, it's just a fun and interesting tool.

The addition will also help Google gain users for its Chrome Web browser. Oceans in Google Earth is a new attraction to lure more consumers to download the Google Earth desktop application, which conveniently includes Google's Chrome Web browser. The business goal here is for Google to keep gaining market share. For example, many of the ocean sites link back to YouTube videos and Google owns YouTube.

Business aside, Google Earth still serves as a great learning tool for curious minds about Earth sciences. The depths of the oceans are definitely one place few of us would see otherwise.