Virtual world coming to you

Maps of the world are being realized as more and more of the world is being mapped and photographed. Google Maps and Google Earth has already mapped out areas covering half the world’s population and aim to have almost total global coverage in about 5 years. They seem to want the internet to become a mirror world! Or is it virtual reality?

Many good uses can easily be found – The state of California is using it already – Californians are at risk from rising sea levels, a longer dry season has worsened the fire season, less winter snow is harming water supplies. This is illustrated in a Google Earth map unveiled by the state! The edges of San Francisco Bay appear coloured to show the effects of sea level rises of up to 150 cm – San Francisco International Airport would be under water. The map also shows snow density decreases since the 1950s with projections for the future, temperature change, growing fire risks.

http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/index.php

Laser technology will enhance the maps: Light detection and ranging LIDAR will furnish you with a three-dimensional map of the ground and objects on the ground, and can show you changes over time – water, forests, animals etc. Ideas for further use, anybody?

Sweden has started laser-mapping the whole country.

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