Google Earth Adds 'Featured Content'

Google has announced the release of its new ‘Featured Content’ for Google Earth, to showcase media overlays from a variety of content providers like the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Discovery Networks and National Park Service, among others. Google Earth users will now be able to access background information about any location around the globe by clicking on the new ‘Featured Content’ checkbox in the Google Earth sidebar. It will be routinely updated to include innovative and diverse contributions from additional content providers.

The Featured Content includes UNEP’s time-stamped images illustrating 100 areas of extreme environmental degradation and an online resource for learning about the environmental crisis zones around the world. The Discovery Networks’ content is designed to enable travel enthusiasts to virtually visit major world attractions, cities, and natural wonders. Discovery has enabled video streaming to help users can learn more about the history and significance of various world landmarks, national parks, American and European cities, and African locations.

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The National Park Service overlay provides local information on park descriptions, information on visitor facilities, and more than 10,000 miles of trails within 58 US National Parks. Another feature called ‘Turn Here’ provides free city video guides for travelers, information on restaurants, hotels, local events and music around the globe.

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