Google Earth just got a cool new update in the form of Voyager. The new feature was introduced on Tuesday which essentially seeks to gratify the wanderlust in you. It allows users to immerse themselves in places they haven’t seen already and get to know more about the place with Google’s Earth mapping system.
So what exactly is Google Earth Voyager?
Voyager essentially gives users an immersive experience in Google’s mapping service. The search engine giant has tied up with the likes of BBC Earth, Nasa, Sesame Street, along with the Jane Goodall Institute allowing users to enjoy that story-telling experience while digitally exploring the planet.
The feature is basically aimed at enhancing the overall user experience in Google Earth, by showcasing interactive tours. The mapping service will make use of knowledge cards to give you that immersive experience, whether you’re planning a trip to the Himalayas or the Swiss Alps.
“It’s a product that speaks to our deepest values around education and making information available to people. This is our gift to the world”, said Google Earth director Rebecca Moore.
For instance, you’re planning a trip to Paris. Voyager makes use of the tools offered by maps and combines it with knowledge cards so that users can experience a virtual tour of the city. Similarly, you can have tours of “Hemingway’s Hangouts”, and Frank Gehry build museums around the world.
Want something more wild? Jane Goodall Institute will hitch you a ride with chimpanzees of the Tanzanian park. You can even explore Afghanistan with the help of Zari, a 6-year old cartoon character who is from the country.
“What you’re never going to find in Voyager is, ‘Here’s a tour of homes of celebrities. What we want to do is inspire people to explore the world through this interactive educational experience. We see it as a way to bridge cultures,” further added Moore.
Besides, the latest version of Google Earth also gets a new “I’m Feeling Lucky” feature, which offers users unravel hidden locations such as Oodaira Hot Spring in Yamagata, Japan or Pemba Island off Zanzibar’s Swahili Coast.
“Because we’re doing a lot of the computing in the cloud, it allows you to have Google Earth right on your phone, so you can literally carry the whole world in your pocket,” said Gopal Shah, Product Manager at Google Earth.
Users can get an aerial view in Google Earth using a 3D button to experience the Grand Canyon, chateaux in the Loire Valley and other intriguing locations from any angle with the new Voyager feature.
