Google Earth is reinvented for new era, with storytelling and AI
The new service includes guided interactive tours with partners including BBC Earth, Nasa and Sesame Street, and much more embedded information taken from Google’s massive knowledge database
Google has launched an updated version of its free Earth mapping service, weaving in storytelling and artificial intelligence, and freeing it from apps.
“This is our gift to the world,” says Google Earth director Rebecca Moore.
“It’s a product that speaks to our deepest values around education and making information available to people.”
A new “Voyager” feature enables people digitally exploring the planet to be guided on interactive stories told by experts, with partners that include BBC Earth, Nasa, Sesame Street, and the Jane Goodall Institute.
Google artificial intelligence will be put to work for Earth users in the form of “knowledge cards” that let them go deeper into online information about mountains, countries, landmarks or other places being virtually visited.
It will also make suggestions on other locations based on armchair explorers’ previous searches.