New software to merge Google Maps, Google Earth data

To assist mostly governments and businesses in their mapping needs, search-engine giant Google Inc. has launched a new service that allows users to integrate their data with existing mapmaking software Google Maps and Google Earth. In a post on the official Google Enterprise Blog, the company’s Geo Enterprise Sales head, Tarun Bhatnagar, said the new tool called Google Earth Builder will allow users to upload, process, and store their geospatial data in the Google cloud. “No technical expertise or GIS training is required," Bhatnagar added. Cloud software allow users to store and access data via the Internet using any computer, redounding to efficient and cheaper services. The company said its online tools Google Earth and Google Maps have equipped its users to easily view rich geographic information using their desktop or mobile devices. Google said its Earth Builder will help free geospatial data from “costly" servers, and extend to government agencies and business groups the same benefits that consumers have enjoyed for years. The company said the benefits of the 100-percent web approach of Google Earth Builder include:

• Accessing maps from any computer or Internet-enabled device
• Quick and efficient processing of complex geospatial data
• Reducing costs and eliminating time spent for buying, maintaining, and patching software and servers
• Ensuring the security of storage and recovery

"We hope that more people can use Google Earth Builder to make better location-related decisions within business and government," Google said. — PE/VS, GMA News