December 10, 2005
Google Earth / Windows Live Local
If you haven't used Google Earth yet, you're missing out on one of the coolest little apps in quite a while. There are a number of other similar products, but I haven't yet seen one that's quite as nicely done as Google Earth. I've been eagerly awaiting a Mac version of Google Earth for months, and finally it has arrived! (Well, sort of. It hasn't been officially released yet, but if you're resourceful you should be able to find a copy floating around the internets. I downloaded a copy and it runs perfectly on my G5. Hopefully an official release will come shortly.)
In related news, Microsoft's Virtual Earth has become Windows Live Local (also still in beta). I can't say I understand the name change, and the interface isn't very usable yet (in Firefox, at least) -- but there are some cool features. The Birds Eye Images are extremely cool. There's also an interesting "locate me" feature (that has caused some concern among privacy advocates).
I've wasted entirely too much time looking at maps and aerial photos today. The silence shall now resume.
10 Dec 17:39 | Link | Category: Interactive, Libraries & Digital Information, Technology & Computing