Google Earth

Just spotted Channel 4 News using graphics of Kashmir generated by Google Earth in a lead in to a story. They overlaid their own text but an acknowlement to Google Earth was shown on screen.

Is this a first in UK news? Certainly makes sense. They are about the most accurate earth terrain images one could use.

NASA's 'World Wind' provides more up to date information. Many of Google Earth's photos are up to two years old.

Yes and we know how these mountains have a habit of getting up and wandering around.

But I take your point.

It's been used selectively but regularly recently - Google Earth have effectively released their resource to media companies worldwide WITH a strict proviso that the source is prominently acknowledged.

Most Google Earth images come from http://www.digitalglobe.com/ and they have the following usage guidelines
Editorial Usage Rules For QuickBird Images

1. Editorial Use Only. DigitalGlobe products made available in the “Images For The Media” or similar area of the DigitalGlobe website may be published for editorial use only, in hardcopy, electronic or in broadcast format, provided that credit is conspicuously provided to “DigitalGlobe” on all such products as set forth below. For purposes of these Usage Rules, “editorial use” is limited to a publication relating to a newsworthy event, or which is otherwise in the public interest.

2. Attribution Rules. All DigitalGlobe products published or otherwise used pursuant to these Usage Rules must be attributed to DigitalGlobe as follows:
For print, presentation and Web materials:
Credit to DigitalGlobe must appear next to or beneath the photo.

For broadcast:
Credit to DigitalGlobe must appear on-screen throughout the entire air-time of the product. Additionally, if the products are referenced verbally during the program, they must be verbally attributed to DigitalGlobe.

3. No Commercial Use. Except for the limited rights set forth in these Usage Rules, DigitalGlobe retains all rights to the DigitalGlobe products, and any commercial, promotional or other use requires the express written consent of DigitalGlobe, Inc.

4. No Alteration. No image published or otherwise used pursuant to these Usage Rules may be modified, altered or supplemented in any way without the express written consent of DigitalGlobe, Inc.

5. Limited Grant of Rights. The rights provided in these Usage Rules by DigitalGlobe may be revoked at any time by written notice of DigitalGlobe.

The first time I saw Google Earth being used was on a BBC N24 report a few weeks back when they used an ariel shot of Manchester Airport.

I never knew Google Earth existed before, but have spent many happy hours tracking down ariel shots of all the places I have lived

Yeah, Google Earth was used on ITV News for the first time (AFAIK) around 3 weeks ago after the Pakistan earthquake in order to demonstrate mountainous terrain in the region.

Google bought Keyhole technology - who had a mapping and visualisation system that they sold commercially - and they have rebranded it Google Earth. They are actively selling a professional version to broadcasters etc. - so expect it to pop up everywhere. The technology itself isn't that new (though it is getting cheaper) - the main change is that Google now own it.

There are other systems that also use Digital Globe or Global Imaging data AIUI - I've seen them used on US news bulletins.