Google earth

just wondering
how far back in years would one have to go before our current google earth images are better quality than the defence satelites of the day.
im aware that some areas have" permanent cloud cover " but there is still quite a bit of information to be gained from the available images.
anyone?

... and what are you planning there

What I want ultimately is a 3d google earth

... and what are you planning there

What I want ultimately is a 3d google earth

i read somewhere they are already doing that.

where yu can walk down the street and see which shops are where and get their details etc, but will obviously take a while to get up and running.

You mean street view? Yes it's there but not what I meant.

3d view is like those U2-taken maps so looking at it the contours/topography can be seen "real"

i think whereis.com is one of the best resources for motorbike purposes i was just interested if anyone knew .

Ummm Google Earth does have 3D capability, they extract DEM's (Digital Elevation Models) from the imagery using image correlation, or in some cases acquire it seperately through other means (RADARSAT etc).

Then they drape the satellite imagery over the DEM to give you a nice 3D image.

All you have to do in Google Earth is use the free look function (Middle mouse button and move the mouse in the direction you wish) and hey presto 3D. Or you can use the elevation angle slider on the top right hand of the screen.

Here is a 3D image I screendumped over the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland. Even though the mountains are huge in real life, they are of even greater proportions as the aspect ratio (height/distance)is ramped up so you can pick up minor elevation changes in Google Earth in 3D mode.

It also has a rather cool easter egg...

A flight simulator. I'll leave you guys to find it though =D

It also has a rather cool easter egg...

A flight simulator. I'll leave you guys to find it though =D

So there is .... cool.