Free service 'Google Earth' launched

The Internet search leader Google Inc. on Tuesday unveiled a new satellite-based three dimensional (3D) mapping product -- Google Earth.

The free service Google Earth, which uses broadband streaming technology and 3D graphics, shows an aerial view of a user-requested location. The software can zoom in from space-level close enough to see streets and buildings, and overlays the search location on the picture. The view itself can be tilted and rotated.

The service includes local search for finding businesses, residences, points of interest and other places.

Driving instructions are also overlaid on the aerial view, and are available in text format, which is printable.

The software for the service can be downloaded free from the search giant's Web site.

Google Earth is "much like a video game, enabling users to interactively explore the world -- either their own neighborhood or the far corners of the globe," said Keyhole general manager in a statement. "With many ways to access geographic information, Google provides a very rich local search experience for users worldwide."

Source: Xinhua/agencies