• Google Has Its Own Fleet of Airplanes to Map the World in 3D

    by
    Cabalo
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    Published on 06-07-2012 11:48 PM    
    8 Comments Comments
    Talking about what goes into its improved 3D maps, Google casually mentioned today that it uses a fleet of airplanes to repeatedly fly over cities, shooting photos at 45-degrees and from directly overhead. That's cool tech, and all, but, like, Google has its own damn fleet of airplanes.

    The data from the planes is combined with data from satellite imagery to make the 3D models. Some of the planes are owned by Google, and the rest are under exclusive contract, but all are at Google's beck and call. For 3D maps, or, presumptively, for anything else Google wants to do. The majority of the data comes from the planes that are under contract, so the fleet is probably pretty diverse. And regardless, a fleet of Google-owned planes in the world is really, really cool. And possibly terrifying.

    Comments 8 Comments
    1. megabyteme's Avatar
      megabyteme - 06-08-2012, 12:14 AM
      This is pretty cool, too.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=U8CMtRS6IUw

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    1. mjmacky's Avatar
      mjmacky - 06-08-2012, 12:53 AM
      I fixed FST using a fleet of catcopters.
    1. Funkin''s Avatar
      Funkin' - 06-08-2012, 03:56 AM
      Not surprised at all. I'm sure Google will take over the world one day...
    1. brilman's Avatar
      brilman - 06-08-2012, 12:21 PM
      Quote Originally Posted by Funkin' View Post
      Not surprised at all. I'm sure Google will take over the world one day...
      Wow think about Facebook and Google hooking up, you'd end up with "FaceGoo" and THEN world domination
    1. bobbintb's Avatar
      bobbintb - 06-08-2012, 02:31 PM
      Quote Originally Posted by brilman View Post
      Quote Originally Posted by Funkin' View Post
      Not surprised at all. I'm sure Google will take over the world one day...
      Wow think about Facebook and Google hooking up, you'd end up with "FaceGoo" and THEN world domination

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmk9CjEha8A
    1. brilman's Avatar
      brilman - 06-09-2012, 03:46 PM
      Quote Originally Posted by bobbintb View Post
      Quote Originally Posted by brilman View Post

      Wow think about Facebook and Google hooking up, you'd end up with "FaceGoo" and THEN world domination

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmk9CjEha8A
      Now I'm afraid!
    1. Old-Horse's Avatar
      Old-Horse - 06-13-2012, 10:11 PM
      Google will lead the world soon
    1. mjmacky's Avatar
      mjmacky - 06-14-2012, 12:15 AM
      Quote Originally Posted by Old-Horse View Post
      Google will lead the world soon
      Thanks for the witty contribution. It just didn't resonate when I read it before, blame Funkin'.
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