Less patchy, more natural images from on high

Google has released its latest version Google Earth. The 6.2 update improves the presentation of satellite imagery so high altitude views appears almost seamless and less of a patchwork. Google has also added a new search interface and an easier way to share imagery using Google+.

The Google Earth imagery is made from a composite of satellite and aerial photographs. These images are then patched together to form a single view. Because the pictures are taken on different dates and under different lighting and weather conditions, high level views often appear like a patch-work quilt. Google has integrated a smoothing algorithm in its latest release than now makes such views more continuous and almost seamless. This improvement is being made to both mobile and desktop versions of the app.

Google has also enhanced sharing capabilities for Google Earth. The Sharing drop down menu in the upper right hand corner of a view has added an option that lets Google+ subscribers easily share what they are viewing with their Circles.

Search is now more comprehensive. The company now provides the same Autocomplete feature that’s available on Google Maps. Search results have also been broadened. In the past, only the top ten results were displayed. Google has added a layered results display feature, so all the relevant search results can be seen. Finally, Google has added biking, transit, and walking directions as an overlay to a Google Earth view of a location.

Map smoothing - before and after



Sharing with Google+



Virtual directions

By Electronista Staff