Google Earth took off as an entertaining consumer curiosity, but it's fast finding real-world business uses. It is widely used by state and federal agencies involved with the environment, space research, land management projects, homeland security, and defense intelligence. Media companies were using Keyhole (originator) before Google got hold of it; in March 2003, CNN used Keyhole's software to simulate for viewers bombing runs over Baghdad, Iraq.

     The two versions of the product that in recent weeks have been put under the guidance of Google's enterprise unit are Google Earth Pro and Earth Enterprise. Google Earth Plus packs additional features such as the ability to import Global Positioning System (GPS) and spreadsheet data, to print in a higher resolution and to annotate maps. Like Google Earth, it is aimed at consumers. Google Earth Pro, priced at $400, has broader capabilities than Earth Plus for importing spreadsheet data and for printing in a higher resolution.

Earth Pro is aimed at professionals in industries such as commercial and residential real estate, architecture, construction, engineering and insurance. Meanwhile, Google Earth Enterprise is a server-based version designed to support from hundreds to thousands of simultaneous users.

Cutting time and money with Google Earth

     Managing risk is no longer in conflict with managing costs. Google Earth helps underwriters reduce wasteful time in the field and accelerate the underwriting process. By providing a complete view of relevant information about a property, Google Earth gives underwriters the ability to view and evaluate locations from their desktop. Easily and quickly answer questions like: Is a commercial development located on a flood plain? Is a multi-unit residential building near an earthquake fault? Are clusters of similar policy holders near a restaurant applying for liability coverage? With Google Earth Enterprise Solutions, brokers and insurance issuers can overlay information from existing current RIMS systems directly onto the Google Earth base map - providing one-click views of risk patterns in a geographic area, down to the building level. The policy database also easily integrates, producing a comprehensive view of exposure in any view, from a city block to an entire county.

Architectural design aids

     Google Earth Pro lets architects quickly find a comprehensive 3D database of high resolution satellite and aerial imagery compiled in one easy-to-use package. From site location feasibility studies to land use impact analysis, Architectural firms rely on a wide range of geospatial data to support project planning and marketing. Google Earth provides the most efficient way to distribute that data to your project decision makers. Combine the power of Google SketchUp and Google Earth Pro to transform 2D diagrams into rich 3D lifescapes of future buildings. Impress clients and planning commissions with live interactive fly-throughs that show aerial tours of a project and its environment. Save time by mapping a list of of all of your project locations with the Google Earth Pro csv importer instead of searching and marking each address individually. Google Earth Pro allows architecture firms to gain a new perspective on their projects while saving time and money on data acquisition. It is fast and the imagery is seamless, capturing audience attention and speeding the familiarization process for planners and clients alike.

Enhance your presentation

     With Google Earth Pro, you have access to Google's comprehensive globe with high resolution imagery, street data, panoramic StreetView images, historical imagery, and points of interest. Google Earth Pro offers additional tools specifically for business users including: Spreadsheet import tool to map thousands of addresses at once, High resolution printing, GIS data import to quickly map GIS data, and Movie Maker to create custom videos of Google Earth Pro for your clients and customers.

     Google Earth Pro uses the same image database as the free and Pro trial versions, so there are no changes to the locations you see in the free and Pro trial versions. However, with Google Earth Pro, you can print these locations at higher resolution (4800 pixels). You also receive additional professional tools to enhance your organization's productivity. Once you license Google Earth Pro, you can use the Google Earth images and data for marketing purposes as long as this data is not sold to any third parties. Examples of external use include creating and distributing KML/KMZ files or movies, using imagery from Google Earth in reports and presentations, and developing information that will be displayed or distributed outside your organization.

Sketchup Design Tool

     Sketchup is a 3D modeling program designed for civil engineers, architects, filmmakers, commercial developers, and similar professions. It includes features to allow the placement of models in Google Earth. 3D Warehouse is a feature that lets users search for and use models made by others such as building structures, landscaping layouts, or even vehicles. The Sketchup program includes tools integrated for uploading content to the Google 3D Warehouse and to Google Earth. A new toolbox has been added where you can see things from a person's point of view, walk through the model, an "any polygon" shape tool, and a look around tool. This program used in conjunction with Google Earth or Maps greatly decreases costs to businesses (particularly developers) by minimizing travel to sites in person and having to pay an outside company for site evaluation and preliminary surveying.

Promote your business with Google Maps

     Google Places is a feature used through Google Maps in which your business can advertise its location and other information, as long as you can provide a valid physical address. Best of all, it is entirely free to give your business name and location instant exposure to millions of potential customers. You may enhance your business listing, for a small monthly fee, by adding detailed descriptions of products and services, photos, videos, and even coupons. One major advantage of advertising through Places is that you may include real time periodic specials or promotions. Another advantage is that your customers may leave reviews of your products or services which may additionally help new customers choose your business out of the crowd of others. Advertising is undoubtedly one of the most important tools a business has to promote success, and Google Maps puts your name in almost every household and business in your service area.

Google Earth for business

     Google Earth began as an entertaining tool for consumers, but has evolved into a valuable business resource. It is used by state and federal agencies invilved with the environment, space research, homeland security, defense intelligence, and land management projects. media companies were using Keyhole (originator) before Google bought it.
     Google Earth Pro and Earth Enterprise are the two verions of the product that have been put under the direction of Google's enterprise unit. Google Earth Plus includes additional features such as the ability to import spreadsheet data and GPS. As with Google Earth, it is aimed at consumers. Google Earth Pro has broader capabilities for printing in a higher resolution and importing spreadsheet data. earth Pro is directed at professionals in industries such as residential and commercial real estate, construction, architecture, insurance, and engineering.