Google plays catch up for a change: Google Earth now available to browsers
June 1, 2008
Google has announced the release of the Google Earth API and browser plug-in. Essentially it’s offering the same functionality as Google Maps, but with added 3D functionality and real Earth photography.
With the new release, web developers will be able to embed Google Earth into their sites, insert lines and markers into the 3D environment, import 3D models (clearly a recipe for disaster), and even overlay content over different planets, stars, and galaxies by toggling Sky mode.
Google’s Earth and Maps blog writes “Our goal is to open up the entire core of Google Earth to developers in the hopes that you’ll build the next great geo-based 3D application, and change (yet again) how we view the world.”
And it’ll certainly be interesting to see what creative ventures emerge from the new concept. There are still a few kinks to iron out though – it currently only works for Windows users running Internet Explorer or Firefox and as getting up close and personal with the 3D environment is not exactly the most jaw-dropping graphical experience.
Still, it is extremely early days and it’ll be worth keeping a look our for its application in future web sites. You can get the plugin and various other information / downloads here.
Written by Ilinx · Filed Under Internet
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