Google Earth integrates multimedia content with locations

Stan Beer
Thursday, 14 September 2006 17:51

Your IT - Home IT

Google has announced that it now offers Google Earth virtual travellers multimedia content related to locations that they view on the web using the service. Content providers such as Discovery Network, Turn Here, National Park Service and the Jane Goodall Institute will overlay their videos and text information about locations at the click of an icon.

• Announcements

Users of Google Earth, which provides close up aerial satellite images of geographical locations, could for instance visit Paris and get video information from Turn Here about the best restaurants, hotels, and local events; or visit the Egyptian Pyramids and access a video from Discovery Network about their history.

Each content provider will have its own unique icon.

The additional content in effect transforms Google Earth from being an interactive visual curiosity into a web service with both educational and entertainment value and, thus, higher traffic pulling potential. Although Google has not made any announcements, the addition of further content providers is likely.