Computer Bytes - No. 52 If you haven't taken time to check out Google Earth, you may want to take a little time to do so. Google Earth is a multi-level program you can download that allows you to view realistic photographs of cities, buildings, streets and other points of interest around the world. The link for Google Earth is http://earth.google.com. Another interesting site offered by Google is Google Sky. Using Google Sky you can view stars, galaxies, the planets and their orbits, as well as images from the Hubble telescope. Not only does the Sky feature allow you to view outer space but also allows you to rotate, pan and zoom through the heavens. Visit Google Sky at http://www.google.com/sky/ or through a link available on Google Earth. While all of this is exciting and may seem to border on science-fiction, there is another part of the Google Earth that some consider invasive. That part is Google Street View which is intended to be used as a helpful tool. For example, you can view the layout of a street in another city before driving to a particular store; check out the areas where you plan to vacation. You can even see parks and playgrounds in neighborhoods. All of this is accomplished by people actually driving through these areas with panoramic cameras on the car's roof taking 360-degree photographs. Therefore, when you use Street View it's like stepping into the map. You can turn left/right, zoom and pan to see everything surrounding the street or area you selected. The taking of these photos in public areas is completely legal but there are views containing what some consider compromising photos. For example: sun-bathers on a beach, someone entering an adult-only business or maybe someone being taken into custody. Currently only the more populated cities and areas are available on Google Street View. However, if you are in one of the mapped areas and want to see how your house is shown, you can do so. If you have issues or concerns with your house or any other photo for that matter that you find inappropriate or offensive, let Google know. If you have Google Earth downloaded in your computer open Google Earth or access Street View from the Maps link on the Google home page. First you will need to navigate to the address you want to check, i.e. your house; then click Street View. The roads outlined in blue will have been mapped with Street View photographs. Here you will also see an icon representing a human. Drag the person icon to a 'blue' street to open the view bubble. Once you have located your house check around for images that may bother you. Are your children outside playing? Could they be identified? Can you see into your house through an open window? If you find a photo that concerns you, click Street View Help; next click Report Inappropriate Image. This will open a form for you to complete. Include as much good information as you can - be specific. A confirmation email will be sent to you after submitting the report. However, there is no guarantee the image will be removed. You may receive follow-up emails requesting proof that you are the person in question or that you own the property being reported. Be assured, if you do register a complaint, someone at Google will look into it. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.