Google Earth brings flight simulator to the web

On Friday, Google announced it was making a relatively unknown feature of Google Earth available to a wider audience. The desktop version of Google Earth has had a hidden flight simulator mode since 2007, but it's now easily accessible through a web browser without having to download or install any apps. To take to the virtual skies, you'll need to open the Google Earth website and then click on the "Explore Earth" button found near the top right corner of the page.

From there, you'll find the "Flight Simulator" mode accessible as the last option in the Tool's section of the site's top menu bar. For the best experience, you'll first want to fin … The flight simulator mode allows users to navigate through Google Earth's 3D globe, exploring terrain and landmarks in a virtual flying environment. A spokesperson for Google stated that the feature was made possible through advancements in web technologies.

The feature has been a part of the desktop version of Google Earth since 2007, but its release on the web expands accessibility for users who do not have the application installed. Developers have been experimenting with Google Earth's APIs to build immersive experiences. "We are excited to see what developers and users create with this technology," said a Google spokesperson.

The addition of the flight simulator mode to the web version of Google Earth comes as the company continues to enhance its mapping and exploration tools. Why this matters: The integration of the flight simulator mode into Google Earth's web platform has broader implications for both developers and consumers. For developers, the availability of this feature through web technologies demonstrates the potential for building complex, immersive experiences that can be shared easily across different platforms.

For consumers, the feature offers a new way to engage with geographic data and explore the world in a more interactive and visually stimulating way. As Google continues to expand its mapping and exploration tools, questions remain about how this technology could be used in fields such as education, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. The increased accessibility of this feature also raises questions about how Google will balance the need for realism and accuracy in its virtual representations of the world with the need for engaging and interactive experiences.