Google Earth integrated into Google Maps
Google has integrated its Google Earth 3D mapping tool into its Maps service, as the search giant further expands its location-based technology.
Users can now install a Google Earth plug-in for Google Maps and see 3D imagery of the planet's terrain from within their browser.
Previously, users needed to download and install Google Earth to see 3D imagery of the planet but now they can just use a web browser to get the full 3D experience with the Google Earth Plug-in.
"If you're one of the hundreds of millions of people who use Google Maps worldwide, you can now explore the world in luxuriantly detailed, data-rich 3D imagery and terrain from Google Earth," Brian McClendon, vice president of engineering at Google Geo said.
Google explained that reducing the footprint of the Google Earth application had enabled the company to bring it to the browser. The plug-in is supported by most Windows and Mac browsers, Google said.
"Earth has been getting faster and lighter while adding large amounts of imagery, more ambitious features and an ever-expanding roster of platforms, including support for Mac, Linux, iPhone and Android," McClendon said.
"Web browsers haven't exactly been standing still either. As their capacity to handle richer applications has steadily grown, our ability to bring Google Earth online has grown along with it," he continued.