26 July 2007

Google expands Earth Enterprise to browsers

Companies such as those with oil interests will be enthused to learn that Google has expanded its Earth Enterprise operations to include a new two dimensional (2D) geospatial data browser.

"Flexibility" will be the main benefit to arise from the scheme, according to Noah Doyle, product manager for Google Enterprise geospatial products, as organisations are able to use 2D geospatial data within web applications as well as other sources such as spreadsheets.

Google's move to update its Earth application came after the search engine-purchased digital photography system provider, ImageAmerica.

Mr Doyle said: "Organisations, such as an oil exploration company, depend on geospatial data to accomplish work.

"Many people in an organistion need access to geospatial information, so allowing them to view 2D images in a browser, in addition to the downloadable Earth Enterprise client, provides more flexibility."

Underlining ImageAmerica's credentials for the 2D mapping work, it was this firm who provided Google with images displaying the devastation that Hurricane Katrina left behind in New Orleans in 2005.

Stephen Chau, product manager for the Google Earth and Maps team, told Google blog Latlong: "We're excited about how ImageAmerica's technology will contribute to our mapping services down the road."

When companies require integration, manipulation and standard viewing of their geospatial data, Google Earth is one of the first ports of call.

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