The Associated Press reports on a new Google feature that incorporates satellite maps.
Online search engine leader Google has unveiled a new feature that will enable its users to zoom in on homes and businesses using satellite images, an advance that may raise privacy concerns as well as intensify the competitive pressures on its rivals.
The actual site is here. I can see why people would be alarmed. You can zoom in really close.
Ah, but it still has nothing on the keyhole (which google also owns, and the slashdot article on the same piece mentions)! I’m guessing none of you downloaded it… it is very cool though.
A lot of the slashdot comments raised the point that previous map providers have done this, but then removed the feature for various reasons. I find it kind of vertigo inducing, try looking at Broadway or Wall street in New York for example, the perspective leaves something to be desired. At least with the keyhole you can rotate the map.
I see the White House and surrounding buildings have had their roofs masked so you cannot see the SAM emplacements and sniper teams. I dont know where it is, but I wonder how much detail you can see of the Bush Ranch in Texas?