Google Earth VR

Seeing new and amazing places, trying new things, bonding with people from all over and learning about other cultures are just some of the reasons why traveling is for most of us probably the most fascinating of subjects.

For some of us with extreme cases of 'wanderlust', Google Earth, with its exceptional possibilities provided by satellite imagery, aerial photography and geographic information system (GIS) all wrapped onto a 3D globe, offers one of the best technology-related solutions for relieving the longing for traveling.

Considering that virtual reality is the talk of the town right now and Google's continues to show uninterrupted commitment towards innovation, the launch of Google Earth VR is the natural evolution of things.

Building on the comprehensive concepts of both Google Earth and Google Maps (and Street View), Google Earth VR offers a more tangible way of traveling and exploring the world, by combining high-res satellite images and aerial photography with impressive 3D representations and recreations of all the major cities and popular, historical, geographical and cultural landmarks.

Before you start exploring the world and get Superman-worthy views from the comforts of your couch, there a couple of things you should know. Firstly, at least for the moment, Google Earth VR only works with the HTC Vive virtual reality headset, although support for other VR platforms might be possible in the future.

Secondly, the application can only be deployed on your computer via Steam. This means that, before anything else, you are required to install the official Steam app. Once you are logged in using your official credentials, the actual installation process is nothing more than a walk in the park.

This said, all that's left for you to do now is launch the app using Steam, strap on the VR headset and prepare for one of the most amazing virtual reality experience with breathtaking views of the world most incredible places.

With all this in mind, after 15 years since the launch of Google Earth, Google Earth VR is here to take things one step forward in every possible perspective.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most interesting applications of virtual reality to date as it provides us with the availability to fly, jump up on the top of the world, dive head in into canyons, stand on top of the tallest skyscrapers, visit countries we never dreamed of visiting, see glaciers, rotate the earth and even take cinematic tours of incredible destinations, just to name a few

As an ending note, it will certainly be interesting to see how this app that basically takes big parts of "real life" and mixes them with the best concepts that virtual reality can provide us with at this time, will become a platform for other, more impressive innovations in the period to come.