Google Earth Features Partner Content
In what I suspect is a first step in this direction, Google today announced access to multimedia content from Discovery Channel, TurnHere, UNEP and others via its Google Earth. This is a mix of commercial, governmental (if you consider UN governmental) and non-profit content. This sort of offer offering is key to Google’s “get more eyeballs to more ads” business model.
Further details are available in this cnet article which notes that no money changed hands, but that Google did provide some technical support to partners.
As I’ve noted elsehwhere, I’m more interested in premium geographic content for GE and other such services. I want more detailed data, more up to date data, and I’m willing to pay for it. I am aware that this interest does not parallel a consumer interest, but it does serve a professional one. Maybe we need Google Earth for consumers and Google Earth for scientists/professionals?
It’s worth noting that as Google gets buzz for this and the new time slider, Live Local now allows folks to “draw” on its maps and imagery, among other things. Which is more compelling to consumers? To professionals?
