EarthViewer

EarthViewer
Google Inc. · Public domain · source
Name	EarthViewer
Developer	Keyhole, Inc.
Operating system	Microsoft Windows, macOS

EarthViewer is a virtual globe software that allows users to explore and interact with a 3D representation of the Earth, similar to Google Earth. Developed by Keyhole, Inc., a company founded by John Hanke and later acquired by Google, EarthViewer provides a platform for users to visualize and analyze geospatial data from various sources, including NASA, USGS, and National Geographic. The software has been used in various fields, such as geology, meteorology, and urban planning, to study and understand complex phenomena, like climate change and natural disasters, in the context of United Nations initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Introduction

EarthViewer is built on top of a 3D computer graphics engine, allowing users to navigate and explore the globe in a highly interactive and immersive environment, similar to Second Life and OpenSimulator. The software uses a combination of satellite imagery and aerial photography from sources like DigitalGlobe and GeoEye to create a detailed and accurate representation of the Earth's surface, which can be used to study ecosystems, like the Amazon rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. EarthViewer also includes a range of tools and features, such as GPS tracking and geocoding, which enable users to locate and analyze specific points of interest, like Mount Everest and the Grand Canyon. Additionally, the software has been used in conjunction with other technologies, such as GIS and remote sensing, to support applications in fields like agriculture, forestry, and conservation biology, as promoted by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Features

EarthViewer offers a range of features that make it a powerful tool for geospatial analysis and visualization, including the ability to import and export data in various formats, such as Shapefile and KML, which can be used with software like ArcGIS and QGIS. The software also includes a range of visualization tools, such as 3D modeling and animation, which enable users to create interactive and dynamic presentations, similar to those used in video games like SimCity and Civilization. Furthermore, EarthViewer supports the integration of various data sources, including databases and web services, from providers like Oracle Corporation and Microsoft Azure, which can be used to analyze and visualize large datasets, like those related to climate change and sustainable development, as discussed at conferences like the United Nations Climate Change Conference and the World Economic Forum. EarthViewer has also been used in conjunction with other software, such as Adobe Photoshop and SketchUp, to create detailed and realistic models of buildings and landscapes, like those found in Las Vegas and Dubai.

Development

The development of EarthViewer was led by Keyhole, Inc., a company founded by John Hanke and Brian McClendon, with support from investors like In-Q-Tel and Sony Corporation. The software was first released in 2001 and quickly gained popularity among users, including NASA and the USGS, which used EarthViewer to visualize and analyze geospatial data related to natural disasters and environmental monitoring. In 2004, Google acquired Keyhole, Inc. and rebranded the software as Google Earth, which has since become one of the most widely used virtual globe software applications, with millions of users worldwide, including National Geographic and the European Space Agency. EarthViewer has also been used in conjunction with other technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, to create immersive and interactive experiences, like those found in theme parks and museums, such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Louvre.

Applications

EarthViewer has a wide range of applications in various fields, including geology, meteorology, and urban planning, where it is used to study and understand complex phenomena, like plate tectonics and weather patterns, in the context of United Nations initiatives, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The software is also used in education and research to teach students about geography and environmental science, and to support research projects, like those related to climate change and sustainable development, as discussed at conferences like the American Geophysical Union and the European Geosciences Union. Additionally, EarthViewer has been used in conjunction with other technologies, such as GIS and remote sensing, to support applications in fields like agriculture, forestry, and conservation biology, as promoted by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which work to protect biodiversity hotspots like the Amazon rainforest and the Congo Basin.

Technical Specifications

EarthViewer is built on top of a 3D computer graphics engine and uses a combination of satellite imagery and aerial photography to create a detailed and accurate representation of the Earth's surface, which can be used to study ecosystems, like the Great Barrier Reef and the Mediterranean Sea. The software supports a range of operating systems, including Microsoft Windows and macOS, and is compatible with a variety of hardware configurations, including laptops and desktops, from manufacturers like Dell and HP. EarthViewer also includes a range of tools and features, such as GPS tracking and geocoding, which enable users to locate and analyze specific points of interest, like Mount Everest and the Grand Canyon, and to create detailed and realistic models of buildings and landscapes, like those found in Las Vegas and Dubai, using software like Autodesk Revit and SketchUp. Additionally, the software has been used in conjunction with other technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, to create immersive and interactive experiences, like those found in theme parks and museums, such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Louvre, which showcase exhibits on space exploration and natural history, in collaboration with organizations like NASA and the European Space Agency. Category:Geographic information systems