Google Earth for Mac OS X in the works
updated 04:50 pm EST, Fri December 9, 2005
Google Earth for Mac OS X
Google--the world's largest search engine--is geographical satellite imagery and mapping application for Mac OS X. The application accepts addresses, famous locations, and search terms such as "pizza parlor," and will then "fly" from space to the designated address or location via satellite imagery. Users can then zoom in on the aerial satellite view of the search location, view buildings and landscapes, or tilt and rotate the view to see 3D terrain and buildings. Google Earth also offers driving directions and lets users search for schools, parks, restaurants, and hotels. The application includes multiple layer support, allowing users to annotate satellite views and combine multiple layers of information such as restaurant locations, driving directions and service stations.
An advanced version of the software for Windows includes GPS (Global Positioning System) support for $20 a year, while a commercial version promises to offer high-resolution printing and other advanced tools for $400 annually.
Earlier this month, a pre-release version of Google Earth for Mac OS X that uses OpenGL rendering reportedly began circulating. The 40MB application offers an extensive set of preferences, allowing users to customize detail and color, as well as control the speed of "flights."
Google Earth interfaces with Google's Web-based mapping service, Google Maps, to provide local search results and driving directions. Google Earth for Mac OS X is said to include a superior set of satellite imagery when compared to the Google Maps Web service, offering additional clarity and a deeper zoom function, according to AppleInsider.
During the past year, search rivals have been launching new mapping services and similar tools in an effort to capitalize on the search industry. Microsoft chairman Bill Gates previewed a tool similar to Google Earth called MSN Virtual Earth at the Wall Street Journal "D" conference in May. Amazon.com has also launched a comparable project through its A9.com website that is designed to provide photos of most U.S.-based businesses for an online service called BlockView.
