Google Earth Hits Billionth Download

Google Earth, the search engine's satellite imagery program for one's desktop, has been downloaded more than 1 billion times.

"That’s more than one billion downloads of the Google Earth desktop client, mobile apps and the Google Earth plug-in—all enabling you to to explore the world in seconds, from Earth to Mars to the ocean floor," wrote Brian McLendon, vice president of engineer for Google Earth and Maps, on the Official Google Blog.

It's not surprising. Watch CNN or any other news program and you will see it using Google Earth to show locations, possibly saving them thousands of dollars in software costs. You will see it on desktops -- first stop, your own address, or in schools or universities.

Visit www.OneWorldManyStories.com to learn about people like Professor David Kennedy of the University of Western Australia, who’s used Google Earth to scan thousands of square kilometers in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Professor Kennedy has discovered ancient tombs and geoglyphs dating back at least 2,000 years, all without leaving his desk in Perth. Architect Barnaby Gunning, after the April 6, 2009 earthquake near L’Aquila Italy, encouraged his fellow citizens to start rebuilding the city virtually in 3D. Their online urban planning will aid city planners and architects.

While we doubt that Google Earth was a moneymaker for the tech titan, it remains one of its most unique and fascinating programs.

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