- New StreeView Stuff – Google pre-announced new StreetView data for New York City. The data reportedly has higher resolution data. However, so far I’m not seeing the new StreetView imagery. But, those of you concerned about seeing your face appear there – don’t worry – Google has used face-detection software that “blurs” the faces in the imagery. The data is also reportedly more recent. I did notice a new “More” drop-down option that lets you turn on Panoramio or Wikipedia placemarks though.
- WorldWide Telescope – Microsoft has surprised many of us by releasing a beta of their widely anticipated WorldWide Telescope application. Stefan Geens at OgleEarth calls it “stunning”, and further says: “this is easily the most impressive thing I’ve seen Microsoft do in a long time…”. I haven’t had a chance to try installing it, but hopefully will before the week is out. I’ll draw comparisons with Google Earth’s Sky mode. Mickey says it has some bugs, but is definitely worth checking out. The New York Times has an interesting article describing both WWT and Google Earth Sky and compares them from a philosophical approach.
- Dishpointer.com – Stefan at OgleEarth also has a great review of an interesting new web site called Dishpointer. This site will calculate the angle for TV satellite antennas. More importantly, it will let you see it in Google Earth so you can turn on 3D buildings and see if you might be obscured by buildings.
- Yahoo WOE – Rev Dan Catt announced a new Yahoo capability to offer “Where on Earth IDs”. Here’s the Yahoo announcement. Dan focuses on the Flickr aspects of using these new ids. Ed Parsons from Google also comments positively on the Yahoo effort.
- GPSAnimator.com – Got an E-mail from some folks who have developed an application called StarTRAX which lets you visualize your GPS tracks in Google Earth. I haven’t had a chance to try it out, but it sounds a lot like GPSVisualizer.
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 was checking for the new NYC street views. I don’t see them yet, either. However, there’s now a “More” button, up next to “Traffic” and “Street Views”. Selecting “More” reveals a menu with selection choices of “Photos” and “Wikipedia”.
Maps is becoming more Earth-like every day!
Street View – the Guardian newspaper UK reports today that face blurring has been introduced in part to head off privacy problems when Street View hits Europe.
It also reports that Google vans have been seen in Paris, which should produce some scenic content, and that London is also scheduled.
Of course, the .py extension isn’t strictly necessary. Then it won’t feel like you’re talking to a snake.