Brand New Beijing Olympics Satellite Imagery in Google Earth

Google has quietly slipped in brand new satellite imagery taken by Geoeye which was taken on July 19th, 2008 showing the Beijing Olympics venues. I’ve been expecting Google to do some new imagery in anticipation for the Olympics – just like they did for the Torino Olympics two years ago. A GEB reader let me know the imagery had been updated within the last day (Thanks Stephen!). Keep a close watch on the area. I wouldn’t be surprised if more 3D models of the new facilities and other photos started appearing at the 2008 venues. [UPDATE: GEB reader ‘Pablenko’ pointed out that Google has made lots of GE 3D models for the Olympics which you can see in the 3DWarehouse here.] Just enter “Beijing” in the “Fly to” search field in Google Earth, and search north about 10 km (6 miles) to see the new stadiums and other facilities. It’s an amazing transformation compared to imagery showing the area before it was completed last fall. The Google Maps imagery is still showing the older imagery, look at it quick though as it may be updated soon is also now updated (August 1) with the new imagery.
You can get a tour of some of the key locations at the Beijing Olympic venues through EarthSwoop (if you’re on Windows), which uses the Google Earth API plugin.

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.

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