Google has begun introducing a new organization for the layers in Google Earth. I noticed the changes on the Windows version of GE, but the Mac version so far is still showing the normal layout for the layers. In the new layout things seem to be much better organized in a hierarchical fashion. For example, there is now a “Gas, Food, Lodging” layer. When you expand the layer folder you can now select Dining by type (Barbeque, Asian, Fast Food, Indian, Italian, Japenese, etc.) and layers for gas and lodging. The Google Earth Community layer is now broken down into many sub-categories which in many ways mirror the forum categories at the GEC. For example, Military, People and Cultures, Nature and Geography, History Illustrated, etc. There are now just a few primary layers, and you can expand the folders to see the full lists This is just another example of new updates which will be a part of the announcement at tomorrow’s Google Geo Developer Day. A few days ago Google released a huge database update for the satellite photos in GE.
About Frank Taylor
Frank Taylor started the Google Earth Blog in July, 2005 shortly after Google Earth was first released. He has worked with 3D computer graphics and VR for many years and was very impressed with this exciting product. Frank completed a 5.5 year circumnavigation of the earth by sailboat in June 2015 which you can read about at Tahina Expedition, and is a licensed pilot, backpacker, diver, and photographer.
I think that’s because they just made a huge update to their software (not imagery), including Linux support, and all version seem to be paired.