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Google Earth for iPhone

What is it?

If you’re familiar with Google Earth, you can guess what the iPhone Application is and does. Using satellite imagery, geo-tagged photos, Wikipedia, and local search information, Google Earth essentially allows you to take a look at any place around the world, literally, showing you individual streets, houses, stadiums, and whatever else you could be searching for.

How much does it cost?

Free.

Who is it good for?

Google Earth users. People who are looking for another “WOW factor” application. Anyone who is curious about travel or is just an information seeker of different topics related to geography.

Summary

Google Earth’s application has already been met with tremendous praise and it’s with good reason. Not only does the application pass the “cool test,” it is packed with features that make this a fascinating tool to explore different areas of the globe. You won’t use it for directions like Google Maps, but you can use it to literally see what other countries and landmarks look like due to the powerful satellite imagery behind it. With local photos and information, Google Earth provides an aesthetically pleasing way to search globally and it’s impressive to say the least.

Keep it or Delete it?

Keep it.

There are certain applications that will undoubtedly “WOW” us. Google Earth is one of those applications. Not only is it simple, but it’s beautiful and fascinating that we’re at the point where you can literally carry a satellite map of the whole world in your pocket.

The application can find you based on your current location using GPS or you can quickly search for particular locations, neighborhoods, cities, or nearly anything else. Using the familiar Google Earth “Zoom out, Zoom in” animation, you’re transported to the location of your choice.

Not only is local business information provided for some locations (not all, so it doesn’t replace a Yelp in the U.S.), but Wikipedia links and photos (by Panaramio) are available as well (as indicated by the W and blue squares). They do get a little tough to click on individually, especially when you look up a major location like the Taj Mahal.

However, chances are you’re just looking to look, not necessarily looking for in depth information using Google Earth. This is more of a visual, geographic discovery tool than a comprehensive information database and so you’ll likely use it as such.

While simple, Google Earth also has some really neat features. The most impressive of which is how you can tilt your iPhone to see different elevations when you’re viewing something like the Grand Canyon or the Himalayas. Instead of just seeing a mountain as flat land, you can view the peaks and valleys in 3D. It’s a little confusing and will probably get you a little motion sick, but it’s one of the coolest things about the application and frankly, one of the cooler things to play with on your iPhone.

As mentioned, there are some other neat features with the application. While Wikipedia information about locations is great, the Panoramio geo-tagged photos give you an even more intimate look at different places around the world. The photos provided by Panoramio are beautiful and while we don’t think that you’ll necessarily use them to plan a trip, it’s a fascinating tool for people who are interested in other places and cultures.

Google Earth is one of those applications that passes the “cool” test with flying colors, but also serves a purpose as well. While you won’t use this to map out your next trip, you could find yourself using it to see what’s around a friend’s house, where a city is located as your friend travels the globe, or seeing what restaurants are close to the ball park you’re going to that night. It’s not as chock-full of information as other applications, but it’s a powerful product that makes the world feel smaller, an impressive achievement in its self.

Download Google Earth. You won’t regret this one.