November 14, 2006
What is Google Earth?
What is Google Earth?
Google Earth is a free-of-charge, downloadable virtual globe program.
The images are obtained from the satellite imagery and aerial photography. Google Earth was developed by Keyhole, Inc., a company Google acquired in 2004. This software was formerly known as Earth Viewer. It was renamed Google Earth in 2005 and is currently available for use on personal computers.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/).
What are the Criticisms about Google Earth?
Privacy Issues: There are concerns that Google Earth invades personal privacy since it shows residential properties which can be accessed by anyone. Due to privacy issues, we decided not to show any personal property but we have marked the building of Weatherhead School of Management.
Threat to National Security
There’s also a concern that it threatens national security by providing 3-D overview of sensitive locations like nuclear power plants, military bases, airports and government buildings which can be used by terrorists.