Google Earth Blog

The amazing things about Google Earth


google earth outreach

Using Google Earth to track environmental impact

We have discussed the amazing work that Google Earth Outreach does quite a few times on here, and they continue to assist with amazing projects around the world.

They recently released a video that showcases some of the work that they’ve done with nonprofit organizations in Canada. Check it out:

The organizations involved in this include:

  • “Caribou Migration,” by Golder Associates Ltd & Hugh Stimson
  • “I Am Fish,” by the David Suzuki Foundation
  • “Canada’s Boreal, the World’s Largest Intact Forest,” by Pew Environment Group
  • “Voices on the Land,” by Okanagan Nation Alliance, Gregory Kehm Associates & Ecotrust Canada
  • “Oil & Water Map,” by the Living Oceans Society
  • “Natural Capital,” by the David Suzuki Foundation

For more, check out the official Google Earth Outreach website.

(via +Google for Nonprofits)

Removing landmines with the help of Google Earth

The HALO Trust was formed in 1998 to help clear landmines from war-torn countries. The scope of this project is unbelievable — they’ve already cleared over 13 million landmines from over 414,000 acres of land!
They first visited the Google Earth Outreach team a few years ago, and have continued to make extensive use of Google Earth to aid in their mine-clearing efforts. They’ve even received a grant from Google Earth Outreach to help create their Explore a Minefield project.

landmines.jpg

They use Google Earth’s historical imagery feature to show how these countries are rebuilding after the mine removal. You can see that in action by loading this tour in Google Earth or watching the video below:


To learn more about this project, you can read about it on the Google Lat Long Blog or visit www.HALOtrust.org

Learn more about Google Earth Outreach with their Hangout on Air

Last week we showed you the excellent “Hangout on Air” (multi-user video chat on Google+) that a few members of the Google Earth team participated in. It was quite informative, and a great way to interact with users.
Later today, at 10:30am PDT (1:30pm EDT), the Google Earth Outreach team will be hosting a Hangout on Air to discuss the Google Maps Engine, formerly known as Google Earth Builder.

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During the talk they’ll show you how you can upload geospatial data to host in the Google cloud, easily style the data, and publish maps on your website — all with Google Maps Engine. It should be an informative session. Just keep an eye on the main +Google Earth page on Google+ and they’ll get started in just a few hours.
If you’re not on there yet, Google+ is an amazing place to connect with other geo-minded people. Here is a circle of 83 of them to get you started, and please let me know of others that should be in that group.
You can find more details in this post on the +Google Earth page.

Beautiful images from Google Earth Outreach

Since its introduction in 2007, we’ve talked quite a bit about Google Earth Outreach. They work hard to help nonprofits and others to “visualize their cause and tell their story” by using technologies such as Google Earth and Google Maps. They build great visualizations such as this EPA data of the gulf oil spill and they often give out grants to help organizations to get their ideas off the ground.
As a way to highlight some of the work that they’ve done over the years, DiscoveryNews has built a great photo gallery showing some of the things they accomplished. Not only can you see the great work done in Google Earth, but each image has a very detailed caption to explain what was accomplished in each slide.

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I encourage you to view the entire slideshow to see highlights from the Outreach team, then visit the Google Earth Outreach website to learn more.

Google Earth Outreach Grants

google-earth-outreach-logo.jpgIt’s been nearly four years since the Google Earth Outreach initiative was introduced, and they’ve done some great things with it in that time including some excellent resources related to the gulf oil spill last year. Now they’re looking to expand their reach, by offering grants worth up to $20,000 to non-profit organizations looking to turn their mapping ideas into reality.
The Google Lat Long Blog gives some examples of organizations that have been promoted via Google Earth Outreach, along with some information to get you started with the grants program. The important piece to note is that applications will only be accepted until May 26, so you have just a few weeks to get your information submitted.
You can apply on this page, but be sure your organization and ideas meet their eligibility criteria before you apply. The requirements aren’t too tough, but may rule some organizations out.
Is your group going to apply? If so, good luck to you!