Google upgrades its mapping service

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SAN FRANCISCO,(USA):June 13, 2006

US Internet search giant Google unveiled on Monday an enhanced version of its popular online mapping program.

Google touted the changes as the first major update to Google Earth since it was launched a year earlier.

"We are excited to celebrate the one year anniversary of Google Earth and the Google Maps API with new technologies for these products," John Hanke, director of Google Earth and Maps, said in a release.

"In the past year, we have had more than 100 million unique Google Earth downloads and have enabled over 30,000 Websites to create mash-ups combining their own geographic data with the Google Maps API."

Google Earth was streamlined for users and tools were added to enable people to customize maps with creations such as textured three-dimensional buildings, according to the company.

Google Earth was made available for the Linux operating system as well as for Windows and Macintosh systems, and the mapping service was localized in French, Italian, German and Spanish, the company said.

High-resolution mapping imagery was improved fourfold, according to Hanke.

Feedback from Website developers inspired the company to clear the way for "Google Maps-powered mash-ups," a reference to Websites that merge their own data with maps, Google said.

Google also announced a fee-based licensing option for members of the "enterprise community" interested in using Google Maps for tasks such as tracking shipments or mapping customer locations.

Google outlined the changes at a "Geo Developer Day" at its campus in the Silicon Valley city of Mountain View, California.

"The enthusiasm of the geo-developer community encourages us that these geo-based tools are connecting users to information in new and innovative ways," Hanke said.

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