08 April 2005
No offense to Google But....
...the new satellite imagery / mapping service isn't that great.

Despite all the hype (and even Mark Morford's love / hate column today in which Morford continues to define "out of the loop" and gives a perfect example of how he shouldn't really talk about technology) the imagery really isn't that good. Sure sure, the little popup address box is mildly amusing but the images suck.

Let's look at a better service shall we? Microsoft's TerraServer. It's been around for going on three years now and uses USGS images for the bulk of it's product. The service is free and they even have a web service interface.

To use one of Morford's examples let's look up Alamo Sqaure in San Francisco.

The "rave" imagery of Google


The same address at Terra Server

Hope that doesn't creep you out too much Mark. Frankly you're way out of the loop in the capabilities of satellites and aerial imagery. Yes, yes, I know that wasn't the point of the column (which at least for once wasn't bordering on obscene), but maybe this will make you even more paranoid ;)
A Republican in San Francisco (Yes, he's under deep cover) relays his tales of interest... ...ok, "interest" is a strong and subjective word but you get the point.
My Photo
Name:
Location: San Francisco, California, United States

I shall know but one country. The ends I aim at shall be my country's, my God's and Truth's. I was born an American; I live an American; and I shall die an American. -Daniel Webster (1782-1852)

ARCHIVES
September 2004 / November 2004 / December 2004 / January 2005 / March 2005 / April 2005 / May 2005 / June 2005 / July 2005 / August 2005 / September 2005 / October 2005 / November 2005 / December 2005 / March 2006 / April 2006 / May 2006 / June 2006 / July 2006 / August 2006 / September 2006 / October 2006 / November 2006 / April 2007 / May 2007 /

Powered by Blogger