14 DAY TRIAL // Ionut Ilascu
The Good
The software's interface is incredibly drawn and unbelievable easy to use. The display options are simply fantastic and my imagination cannot comprehend the application's entire utility.
The navigation tools allow a panoramic view of the region and the enrichment the layers bring could only make it better. Imagine a walk in the Grand Canyon or on some exotic beach. The only thing that's missing in this picture is the breeze in your face.
With the placemarks you will just have to sit back and relax while looking for whatever it is that you want. I downloaded a Jazz Clubs in New York placemark and it gave me over 60 locations with the corresponding addresses (I stopped counting at 60, but the scroll bar indicated that I was only half way).
The zoom in some areas is simply stunning. I was able to see people's pools and even the cars in the street.
The Bad
As much as I wanted to skip this section, I have to admit that the software is a long way from perfect. One can clearly see that the project is only at the beginning, and that it has many rough edges that eventually have to be burnished.
The Community is a good example as it allows every Google Earth user to create and share placemarks. This would be just great if the info added could be somehow filtered or verified and cleaned of inconsistencies or erroneous guiding.
As little as our planet may seem, Earth could not be comprised entirely and there still are regions that have not been mapped yet.
The Truth
I have to admit that the application is stunning and - although many people wish for a deeper zoom - I think that the level it has now is a healthy compromise between privacy violation and utility.
A huge step has been made and the risks of sliding on the illegal slope have been attentively calculated and minimized.
In conclusion, I have to warn you that the speed of the map streaming depends entirely on your Internet connection.
When I first saw the software, the only thing that came to my mind was the movie Enemy of the State and the live video satellite streaming they did. I just hope Google Earth will keep a safe distance from privacy invading and maintain the same functionality.
When I began writing the review, I thought of comparing it to NASA World Wind, but after the application revealed its aces, I completely forgot they are similar softwares. Anyway, my conclusion is that Google Earth is a new class of search engines that will allow you to skim over the whole planet.
Diana Iftime
The Good
The idea is just great! The way they achieved it is also great...I mean the interface, the options and the possibilities as well. All you have to do is let your curiosity lead your searches and I guarantee you won't feel the bitter disappointment. I expected to find a complicated and boring program and I've found an easy-to-use, captivating and satisfactory one instead. Whether you want to feel like an explorer or like a spy, Google Earth makes your dreams come true. Well, this is for free and inquisitive spirits only!
The Bad
If you hunt for perfection, that's not the place to find it; however, you have to admit the strengths of Google Earth. Let's hope that's just the beginning and not the end...I could mention the blurred areas, the unknown places etc., but I'm expressing my trust that the developers won't stop here and will improve the "virtual looks" of our planet....
The Truth
We should've thought of similar programs, for such a complex and interesting tool deserves a whole comparative study, but...Oops! The truth is I've totally forgotten about all other programs.... Perhaps it wasn't a "complete satisfaction", but I can say - without doubt - that it was a great experience for me. As I've said before, Google Earth is the ultimate tool to carry out the explorers' wishes. Just try out another perspective on Terra and all the places that are still hidden for you, without any effort. And if you are not satisfied, you can think of the old way of globetrotting...
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
