Google Earth 5.1.3509.4636

Google Earth is an application that puts a lot of geographical information right on your desktop.

This powerful engine, which has been built in Google Earth, combines images from satellites, maps, as well as the power of Google Search in order to bring this information to your computer. A fast and stable Internet connection is required in order to provide you the required data.

Most of the locations usually appear as a low resolution satellite image, while Google Earth’s zooming level approaches the Earth surface. It provides detailed images only for more populated areas. For example, I couldn't see many details about my town and I also couldn't find Soft32 Headquarters on the map.

Google Search provides you additional data about a certain location. You can get the number of citizens when selecting a town. The program also gives you the possibility to search other information over the Internet using your Web browser or Google Search.

It includes measurement tools and features like drawing paths and polygons. I found these tools both fun and useful.

The returned data by Google Earth can be printed out. The producers declared that this support has been improved. They say that with this version you are able to print the search results and the folders of place-marks.

Pluses: it provides you the possibility to surf around the planet, it has some useful built in tools.

Drawbacks / flaws: it uses a lot of resources and Internet bandwidth. Since this is a beta version, you may get unexpected surprises.

In conclusion: it is a nice and fun tool that can be useful in certain situations such as finding something on the map because the application provides this kind of support but only for important locations on the Globe.

version reviewed: 4.0.2413 (beta)