Google Earth, the popular digital globe that has revolutionized how we explore the planet since 2005, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the launch of two innovative features.
Google Earth, the iconic digital globe that has revolutionized how we explore the planet since 2005, is marking its 20th anniversary with innovative updates designed for both casual users and professionals. The platform, renowned for its satellite imagery and 3D flyovers, continues to evolve, offering new ways to discover Earth’s history and support urban planning.
Two New Features Coming To Google Earth
A Time Machine For Your Neighborhood:
The first major update introduces a historical Street View feature, allowing users to rewind time and see how neighborhoods and landmarks have evolved over the years. Inspired by social media trends and emotional discoveries shared by users, this “time machine” offers a new perspective on urban development and personal histories.
AI Tools For Climate And City Planning:
The second addition targets urban planners and researchers with AI-powered tools that provide insights into city environments.
Starting soon for US users, these tools will display data on urban tree coverage and land surface temperature, helping inform decisions on public health, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
A Look Back At 20 Years Of Earth Exploration:
Over the past two decades, Google Earth has become a vital tool for education, storytelling, and scientific research. Milestones include the launch of Street View in 2006, the introduction of 3D cityscapes, and collaborations that have contributed to endangered species conservation and climate change monitoring.
The platform’s Timelapse feature, refreshed in 2017 with 24 million satellite images, continues to offer a compelling view of Earth’s dynamic surface.
