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Google Releases 'Google Earth API'

Andrew Trice
May 29, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (4)

Yesterday, Google released the Google Earth API. This is basically a browser plugin for Google Earth. I have to admit, I was blown away when I saw it in action. Microsoft Virtual Earth beat Google to it with web based 3d maps, but Google is going to give them a run for their money.

Not only can you add 3D capability to your web applications, but they are completely script-able using the existing JavaScript Google Maps API. You just need to add a single line of code to convert your flat map to a 3d Globe.

Checkout this video from Google for a preview:

I don't think its integrated with the Flash API quite yet, but it provides an extremely rich experience.

You can get more information about the Google APIs here:
Google Earth API
Google Maps API
Google Earth Blog

You can learn more about the Microsoft APIs here:
Microsoft Virtual Earth API
Microsoft Virtual Earth Blog

(Yes, I am a map geek)

Comments

4 Comments

Greendog said:

That's very cool! Google seems step slowly, but more stronger that MS. I hope GE API will going to Flash API as fast as they can. I like thier GM API very much

May 29, 2008 5:11 PM

Andrew Trice said:

I created a sample application showing integration between Flex and the Google Earth API at: http://cynergysystems.com/blogs/page/andrewtrice?entry=google_earth_api_flex.

May 30, 2008 7:22 AM

Marcio said:

It does not work the functions of Drag and Exchange type of map when it is placed within Google Maps using MODULE

See the example not using MODULE

http://www.rarusflats.com.br/google_maps_sem_module/google_maps_sem_module_no_geocode.html

Now the same example using MODULE

http://www.rarusflats.com.br/google_maps_com_module/google_maps_com_module.html

See the DRAG on the map does not work or the exchange of kind of map for Satellite or Hybrid

June 2, 2008 8:59 AM

Andrew Trice said:

Marcio, that looks like either a bug in the google API, or a bug in the module implementation. You may want to look at the Google developer forums at: http://groups.google.com/group/Google-Maps-API

June 2, 2008 9:30 AM

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