'One of our new features- Earth Engine-has allowed researchers to visualize global deforestation patterns, map waterway changes, and discover as-yet-unknown areas all over the world,' Shah said. New features have provided conservation groups and researchers with the tools to keep track of our changing world. He detailed these experiences in his book 'A Long Way Home' (Viking Australia, 2013), which was adapted into the feature film 'Lion' in 2016. Saroo Brierley, an orphan from India who was raised in Australia, was able to reconnect with his birth family after being separated for 25 years, by following geographic markers on Google Earth. Using NASA's satellite imagery, you can view a timelapse of the changes and growth in your corner of the world over the last 30 years. 'Probably around 99% of first-time users visit their neighborhood first,' Shah said.

(Image credit: Shutterstock) How Google Earth is usedįor most people, Google Earth is a novel way to explore cities and landscapes from above, allowing us to view our world within the greater context of itself.How Google Earth is used Google Earth patches together numerous satellite images to create it's interactive map of the world. 'Even if you're a kid in rural India on a 2G network, we want you to be able to access Google Earth in a meaningful way,' Shah told Live Science.

According to Gopal Shah, Google Earth's product manager, the development team consists of four to five user experience designers, and around 30 engineers who are mostly focused on improving the app's ability to send data. The imagery and data used by Google Earth is collected through partnerships with NASA, National Geographic and others, making it quite a collective effort. As new images become available via satellite and aerial imagery, the map is constantly updated to reflect our ever-changing world. Google Earth features 3D reconstructions, annotation tools and satellite imagery provided by NASA dating back all the way back to 1984, allowing users to virtually travel back in time. Unveiled in 2017, the new app is now available via Google's Chrome browser and by downloading their standalone app. In 2015, the development team started planning a revamped version that focused on accessibility and availability. Launched in 2005, Google Earth was the first widely available, interactive composite map of our world.

Google earth 360 view