Google Earth relaunches with guided tours and 3D detail
Google has evolved its Earth service to allow web users greater navigation of the world from their armchairs, integrating it with its search network to provide knowledge about select locations.
The latest update, which is available on Chrome and Android phones, offers features including 3D viewing, streetview and a guided tour called Voyager. The 'I’m Feeling Lucky' function also makes a return, warping users to a random place.
The Verge reports that the redesign took two years of work, incorporating more than 50 tours of areas of interest from experts and scientists. Tours of Paris and Zaha Hadid architecture feature along side BBC Earth and videos hosted by Sesame Street's muppet Lola.
Gopal Shah, product manager Google Earth, said: “With the new Earth, we want to open up different lenses for you to see the world and learn a bit about how it all fits together; to open your mind with new stories while giving you a new perspective on the locations and experiences you cherish. It’s everything you love about Google Earth, plus new ways for you to explore, learn and share.”