• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Google Earth Blog

The amazing things about Google Earth

  • Home
  • About
  • Basics
  • Links
  • Tips
  • 3D Models
  • Sightseeing
  • Videos

New Google Earth Layers Update: Amsterdam 3D, Forest Service, Taiwan Roads

May 17, 2007

Google very quietly pushed out a layers update yesterday. I have some speculation on why they are being quiet – see below. Here’s what I’ve managed to determine was added with this update (with help from GEB readers):

  • Amsterdam 3D – As mentioned yesterday, Amsterdam has lots of 3D buildings. Most of the city is covered with very simple gray block buildings, but there are a few new high resolution buildings. I saw a blog entry from the Netherlands which alluded to the city having shared their GIS data for over 150,000 buildings, but I haven’t verified its authenticity yet. Read my post for more details. Here is a YouTube demo of the new Amsterdam buildings via Nederkaart (Dutch).

  • Forest Service – Check out the new sub-layer under the “Parks and Recreation” called “USDA Forest Service“. The layer includes outlines for the borders of all the national forest areas, nicely done placemark descriptions for each area with photos and links to more information, and – as you zoom in closer to each area – more placemarks appear showing campsites, ranger offices, winter recreation areas, lookout towers, and more. A very handy way of learning more about US forest areas! This layer goes really nicely with the “US National Parks” layer (which is right below it).

  • Taiwan Roads – Taiwan now has detailed roads if you turn on the “Roads” layer. Google just added detailed roads in Google Maps for Taiwan and a bunch of other countries at the end of April. If they already have added Taiwan to Google Earth, then the other countries can’t be far behind.

  • Panoramio – One GEB reader (named Siemen) says the Panoramio layer was updated.

  • DigitalGlobe logo – The DigitalGlobe satellite photo layers now sport a new logo when viewed in the layers pane. Minor little addition. The DG layers show where photos have been taken by the satellite company over the past few years.

  • Giant Building Removed – The giant building someone posted in the 3DWarehouse in Bratislava which got included in the 3D Buildings layer, has been removed.

So, why so quiet? Last year Google did major new announcements of new data and layers just before the Google Geo Developer Day and anniversary of the release of Google Earth. I suspect they are doing something similar for this year’s Google Developer Day on May 31. There hasn’t been an imagery update since March – so they are definitely saving up for that. So, look forward to a LOT of new data in about two weeks!

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.

  • More Posts(1963)

Filed Under: 3D Models, Environment, Google Earth News, Navigation, Sightseeing Tagged With: digitalglobe

Reader Interactions






PLEASE NOTE: Google Earth Blog is no longer writing regular posts. As a result, we are not accepting new comments or questions about Google Earth. If you have a question, use the official Google Earth and Maps Forums or the Google Earth Community Forums.

Comments

  1. Ted says

    May 17, 2007 at 8:45 am

    Why is the Degree Confluence Project layer gone?
    It was my favorite.

  2. Jimmy says

    May 22, 2007 at 6:57 am

    Is is very strange that I have found the new version of GoogleEarth can not be installed in other disks except C disk. Can any one tell me why and help me solve the problem?

  3. Adan says

    October 6, 2009 at 6:29 am

    Everytime I open Google Earth, its the same. Do you have NEW satellite image of TAIWAN. The image is 6 or 7 years ago. Taiwan progress rapidly specially in roads and highways, secondly, in houses and buildings just to get you a small glimpse in a large birds eyeview. We appreciate it a lot.
    Thank You So Much!!!



PLEASE NOTE: Google Earth Blog is no longer writing regular posts. As a result, we are not accepting new comments or questions about Google Earth. If you have a question, use the official Google Earth and Maps Forums or the Google Earth Community Forums.

Primary Sidebar

RSS
Follow by Email
Facebook
Twitter




Categories

  • 3D Models (792)
  • Applications (708)
  • Business (288)
  • Environment (353)
  • Flying (208)
  • GE Plugin (282)
  • Google Earth News (1,764)
  • Google Earth Tips (592)
  • GPS (136)
  • Navigation (227)
  • Network Links (214)
  • Sailing (121)
  • Science (499)
  • Sightseeing (1,903)
  • Site News (587)
  • Sky (67)
  • Sports (154)
  • Street View (50)
  • Tours (117)
  • Video (421)
  • Weather (180)

Get new posts by email

Get new posts by email:

Google Earth Satellites

Copyright 2005-© 2023 Frank Taylor. All Rights Reserved.

This blog and its author are not an official source of information from Google that produces and owns Google Earth Google and Google Earth are trademarks of Google Inc.. All image screenshots from Google Earth are Copyright Google. All other trademarks appearing here are the trademarks of their respective owners.