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.