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PSA: Google's 3D City View and Tour Guide arrives for Google Earth on iOS today
Google's 3D City View is now available on iOS. The Google Earth update adds three-dimensional imagery to major locations including Washington D.C, San Francisco and Boston. It's arriving alongside Tour Guide; select a notable attraction to go straight to it, with accompanying trivia you can bore your friends with later. Sadly 3D maps requires the processing hardware of the iPhone 4S, iPad 2 or the third-generation iPad, but other iOS (4.2 or higher) device users can still get access to Tour Guide. Unsurprisingly, the update's available via the App Store -- but you shouldn't need a map to find your way there.
Google fetes 40 years of Landsat with new timelapse videos of Earth
Compared to Landsat, which has been beaming photos of our planet since 1972, Mountain View is a cartographic newb. But Google Earth drove geospatial interest into the stratosphere when it launched in 2005 and, with a billion downloads and counting, the company is well placed to celebrate 40 years of Landsat imagery. To do that, it has collaborated with the US Geological Survey and Carnegie Mellon to create a collection of timelapse videos ranging from seasonal snowcover changes across North America to Amazon deforestation. Though the search giant is gradually shifting from relatively low-res 100 feet per pixel Landsat imagery to 8 feet SPOTImage maps, its Google Earth Engine was used to process the vast archive and make it available to the public. To watch a video of the history of the grand dame of satellite imagery and its liaison with Google, head after the break -- or check the source for all the timelapse goodness.
Google delivers My Tracks 2.0 for Android, includes playback in Google Earth and aggregation of statistics
We've long since been fans of Google's My Tracks app -- perhaps the only issue is the Android exclusivity, at least for those using Windows Phone, iOS or BlackBerry. Of course, Columbia's GPSPal accomplishes some of the same tasks, but even it will need a major overhaul to compete with the feature set in My Tracks 2.0. Available now for no charge in the Play Store, the new route tracker adds the ability to play back your tours, runs, etc. on Google Earth for Android. Moreover, it now aggregates statistics over time to show trends in performance, and we're told that the user interface is "simpler and faster." Those who weren't so keen on the prior build's charting system may also dig the newfangled charts / stats tables, which are said to be "easier to read." So, how's about that midnight run in Crystal Lake?
Google Earth 7.0 for Android brings new, super-detailed 3D maps for some cities (update: video)
Here's a bit of a surprise that slipped under the radar during the Google I/O keynote: Google Earth for Android has been updated to 7.0 to take advantage of the new 3D map technology it unveiled at another special event just a few weeks ago. As a refresher, the visuals are automatically created from 45-degree aerial imagery and can pick up 3D elements as subtle as trees. Before you go racing to your hometown to see how it looks in 3D, be aware that just a handful of cities and regions exploit that dimension. Besides San Francisco Bay, the full coverage extends to Boulder, Boston, Charlotte, Lawrence, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Portland, San Antonio, San Diego, Santa Cruz and Tampa in the US, with Rome being the lone international hotspot. If that's too few places to visit, there's always the addition of guided tours. Android users can head over Google Play to get the update today; iOS users shouldn't fret, as they'll get the new maps soon. Update: Google now has video, if you'd rather not (or can't) install the app to try it yourself.
Bing Maps gets another 165TB of satellite images, Google Earth seen sulking in a corner
Thought that Google had cornered the market on free, overhead-view photo mapping solutions? You clearly don't reside in Redmond, because Bing Maps' aerial image library just got another 165TB worth of hi-res data that covers an additional 38 million square kilometers of the globe. To put that in perspective, Microsoft's mapping solution previously had but 129TB worth of such eye-in-the-sky imagery, so this new batch of satellite shots more than doubles your viewing pleasure. Go ahead, check out all the new visuals at the source link below, we promise not to tell the folks in Mountain View.
WoW gets the Google Maps treatment
Being a fantasy world set in a vaguely medieval technology level (the odd gnome or goblin invention or steam tank aside), one does not generally expect all the perks of modern life to invade the World of Warcraft. Today, that's changed a little as Google Maps comes to Azeroth. World of Mapcraft features all of the current lands of WoW (minus Pandaria) from a bird's-eye view using Google technology. You can zoom in and try to find your favorite landmark or city (I looked for the twin pillars of Feralas and the Ruins of Southshore) or finally figure just how Dun Morogh's snow transitions into the green of Wetlands. You can even take a look at your favorite raid, dungeon, or Battleground. Alas, there's no street view, but who knows? Maybe someone out there's just crazy enough to take that task on. It's definitely a fun new way to look at the world. Check it out.
Daily Update for June 7, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Google promises 3D map imagery for iOS
Google held a map-oriented press event on Tuesday and used the gathering to discuss upcoming changes to Google Earth and Google Maps. The highlight of this event was a demonstration of new fully modeled, fully textured 3D maps for Google Earth. The demo used an iPad and showed a close-up view of San Francisco's impressive skyscrapers. Google said these features will hit the iOS and Android version of Google Earth in the coming weeks, but didn't provide an exact date. Next week at WWDC, Apple is expected to unveil a new mapping solution for iOS that'll replace the Google-based Maps app. The new maps app is expected to incorporate 3D imagery and navigation developed by the teams it acquired from Placebase, Poly9 and Swedish 3D-mapping company C3. You can check out Google's new Earth features in the video below and come back next Monday for our WWDC coverage. We'll have details on Apple's new map solution, if it's announced as expected. [Via Engadget]
Google Earth utilized by HALO Trust to clear minefields in Cambodia, Angola
Sure, Google Earth is a neat program to play around with and it's easy to take for granted, but plenty of groups are taking advantage of the technology to help improve -- and save -- lives all over the world. One such organization is the HALO Trust, a group that's dedicated to clearing war-riddled countries (such as Cambodia and Angola) of minefields. Taking advantage of Google Earth, the Trust has been able to survey land, validate data and produce maps for governments and other organizations, thus making a huge impact on people left impoverished as a result of these minefields. Check out the video below to learn more about the HALO Trust's efforts, and head to the More Coverage links if you're curious to see how this group is working with Google to make a difference. Relive the memories in our liveblog... right here!
Google Maps, Earth take on full 3D imagery
Google is keeping the string of Maps launches going -- it's just rolling out very, very detailed 3D maps for technology like Google Earth, using a "new process" to get extra depth. In some areas, such as San Francisco, it models every building and delves down into the trees. The new fully textured, fully modeled imagery is coming both to Android and iOS in the "coming weeks," and Google even made a point of showing the update running on an iPad. Just how deep this rabbit hole goes is an unknown right now, but it certainly ups the ante for Apple's rumored giant iOS 6 Maps revamp and the 3D mapping it might be using from C3 Technologies. Update: We just followed up with Peter Birch following the keynote regarding version compatibility for offline and 3D Maps, and were told that Google "has nothing to announce at this time," but will do so in the coming weeks. We prodded a bit to see if 2.x devices would be in the mix, and all we got was a non-confirming reply about an "assumption" that if Google Maps Navigation is supported, offline and 3D would be as well. Relive the memories in our liveblog... right here!
Syria gets previously blocked Google software, at least for now
Mountain View's just dished out some good news for Syrians, Picasa, Chrome, and Google Earth were officially made available for download in the complex nation as of yesterday. US export controls and sanctions had hitherto blocked that possibility, and there's sill no guarantee that smartphones won't be prohibited. That's of course assuming the whole internet won't just be turned off if the Syrian government doesn't like what's going down, but as of right now the software is live. Google put the same trio on tap this February in Iran after more than a year and a half of similar restrictions in that country. And we thought our internet-related issues were annoying.
Google Maps 'Cube' game rolls out, back, up, back again
Cast your mind back to January if you will. Head full of steamy CES action? Of course, but you may also remember Google teased us about a new tilt-and-roll Maps game. Well, it looks like the creators may have missed the original February deadline, having finally snuck it out this week. The browser-based game is a series of maze challenges, that'll take you through the streets of San Francisco, downtown Tokyo and beyond. All atop Google's iconic 3D textured maps, naturally. Eight levels in total are on offer, making it an ideal lunchtime -- or if the boss is away -- afternoon time kill. Roll down to the source link below to give it a spin, nudge and roll.
Google Earth adds balloon and kite aerial imagery, invites you to contribute
Google Earth already offers quite a variety of ways to explore the planet, but the folks in Mountain View never seem content to leave things alone for long. Their latest addition is some aerial imagery of a slightly different sort -- images shot from ordinary balloons and kites. That initial batch of photos comes courtesy of The Public Laboratory for Open Technology and Science, which is itself a grassroots effort that anyone can contribute to. And that's apparently what Google hopes folks will do in order to expand the aerial views available -- as Google notes on its Lat Long blog, all that you need to get started is a digital camera and about $100 in parts, plus a little initiative. Complete details on how to start your own DIY mapping effort, or simply explore the options now available, can be found at the links below.
Google Earth for iOS offers custom map viewing
Google updated Google Earth for iOS this week and included the ability to view custom maps. The new feature lets you click on a KML file you find on the web and open it automatically in Google Earth. KML is short for "Keyhole Markup Language" and these files contain geographic information that you can view in software like Google Earth and Google Maps. To see how it works, you can check out New York Public Library's collection of geo-located maps of New York City. Besides KML support, the latest Google Earth version also includes Earth Gallery, a new feature which lets you explore a list of curated maps that show as real-time earthquakes, hiking trails, and city tours. It also adds a few stability and performance improvements. Google Earth is available for free from the iOS App Store. It's a universal app so it'll work natively on both the iPad and the iPhone. [Via MacRumors]
Google dives deep to bring underwater photos of the Great Barrier Reef this September
Your next trip to the Great Barrier Reef could be from the comfort of your home now that Google's partnered with Catlin SeaView Survey, the University of Queensland's Global Change Institute and the Underwater Earth organization to document this amazing ecosystem. Equipped with a special underwater camera capable of withstanding depths of 328 feet, the survey aims to photograph 50,000 shots in 360-degree panoramic view and incorporate them into Google Earth and Google Maps. Dubbed "Google SeaView," it seeks to open opportunities for increased conservation as well as a free look for wanna-be world travelers who can't afford a plane ticket down under. As an added perk, the collected data may also be used to help future ship captains navigate through the treachery of the intricate coral highways. Check past the break for more info on the survey and plenty of footage teeming with aquatic wildlife.
Google upgrades Earth with better rendering, teaches it to sing in perfect harmony
Google's bringing a number of changes to its Earth service courtesy of version 6.2, including Google+ integration and improvements to search. Most notable here, however, is a new method of rendering that stitches aerial photos together in a manner less patchy than before, making for "the most beautiful Google Earth yet," according to the company. The new version is available now for download -- more info in the source link below.
Google outs new tilt and roll Maps game, promotes Google+
If you weren't in the know on Google Earth's flight simulator easter egg, rest assured that Google's next map-centric game will be entirely public. A new promotional video pimping Google+ Games invites you to "play your world" by cubing a mapped area of the Earth, and dropping a ball into it. Tilt and roll -- not the most complex game ever, but novel to say the least. The game is based off another recent video showing Google Maps as an actual, physical cube. Zany enough for you? Hit the break, and let your tactile cube map dreams come true.
Google Earth hits one billion downloads, those with fear of flying still getting virtual kicks
In a feat that outdoes even Dr. Evil's vision of worldwide domination, the folks in Mountain View have reported a staggering one billion downloads of Google Earth. Over the years, the service has taken us around the world, giving us a peak into amazing and sometimes obscure places ranging from the bottom of the ocean to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. It's also evolved from its humble beginnings as a desktop app back in 2005 to include a mobile app and a plug-in, not to mention a 3D flight simulation used with Google Maps -- all features that helped it reach the astronomical milestone. For that, we salute you Google Earth. Check out the celebratory video after the break.
Google Maps adds 3D bird's eye route previews for high-flying navigators
Sure, you could use Google Maps to find the shortest path from point A to point B, but what if you're interested in going from A to B via scenic route C? That's where Google's new 'helicopter view' comes in. Unveiled last week, this feature allows online navigators to visualize any driving, walking or mass transit route with a 3D, bird's-eye animation. All you have to do is enter your starting point, destination and mode of transportation, and click the new "3D" button that will appear next to each route. From there, you'll be launched into a Google Earth-powered flight, displaying all the buildings, mountains and other terrain that you'd encounter during your real-life journey. You can also pause the flight at any moment to check out any sights of interest, along with any geo-linked photos, videos or other online content. Buckle up and check out the source link below for more details and images.
Wii Fit balance board hack takes a virtual Segway ride around Google's mapped world (video)
You can do a lot in seven hours -- fly coast-to-coast, slow-cook a pot roast, create a Google Maps-navigating, Wii Fit-controlled virtual Segway. Wait, what? Yes, that Nintendo-branded, dust-collecting relic of holidays past has been given a new lease on life thanks to an intrepid troop of Ivy-educated geeks, and a seven-hour hackathon. The marathon modding session, held by Stanford University's SVI Hackspace, banded together a like-minded set of overachieving modders to produce a balance board-guided Street View romp through Google Maps. The students' hack connects the Wii Fit board to OS X via the Osculator app, with a Node.js server processing the data and Socket.io handling board-to-browser communication. A Google Earth plug-in and pre-rendered Segway were all that was left to complete this foot-mapped joy ride through our digitized world. Video demo awaits you after the break.
