Although most people start exploring Google Earth by searching for a famous landmark or their home address, many surveyors realize the extensive online database is a valuable tool for visualizing the layout and terrain of any area of interest. With global coverage combining satellite, aerial, 3D, and Street View images, Google Earth provides access to a wealth of knowledge without leaving the office.
Google Earth is based on technology originally created for gaming and further developed as Keyhole EarthViewer by KeyHole, Inc. Since its purchase by Google in 2004, the Google Earth program continues to evolve and offer a range of high and low-resolution imagery, digital elevation models, 3D building models and other tools.