Case Study: Social Effects and Economic Impacts of the Google Earth software over Earth Observation Applications and Public Outreach

Paper number

IAC-09.B1.5.9

Author

Mr. Julio Aprea, ESA, The Netherlands

Year

2009

Abstract

Google Earth is a software product that has revolutionized the way in which common public interacts with Earth Observation data. It has closed the gap between data and common public use, giving non Earth Observation Scientists a whole new perspective on our planet.

The study starts with a short reference to the software and its features through different versions, particularly for people not familiar with it. This part is however kept short.

The objective of this paper is to take a closer look at the software suite, digging deeper into issues such as:
{\bf \begin{itemize}\item Interaction between Google, private companies and public institutions.\end{itemize}}
\begin{itemize}\item How partnerships are established and how data is integrated in the software.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Potential advantages and disadvantages for small private companies into developing applications for the Google Earth framework.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Financial impact of Google Earth on private companies such as Rapid Eye, DigitalGlobe and Spot Image.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Integration of Google Earth with public data such as the one provided by the European Space Agency or NASA.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Advanced features of Google Earth and its applications on private use.\end{itemize}
{\bf \begin{itemize}\item Public Outreach: How has Google Earth impacted society?\end{itemize}}
\begin{itemize}\item Environmental awareness.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Social interactions, such as integration and uploading of private photos on the globe.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Integration with other Social Collaboration websites such as Wikipedia.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Effects of Google Earth on basic education, use in schools.\end{itemize}

As a conclusion, limitations of Google Earth are identified and potential future uses are analyzed.

Abstract document

IAC-09.B1.5.9.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)