Tag: Google Earth

  • Discovery expands content offering on Google Earth

    Discovery expands content offering on Google Earth

    MUMBAI: US media firm Discovery Communications has expanded its expansion of its collection of world-class content on Google Earth.

    It has added over 150 video segments for destinations around the globe. A pilot partner for Google Earth’s new showcase of multimedia overlays, the Discovery Networks World Tour; can be accessed through the Featured Content checkbox in the Google Earth sidebar. This expansion follows the April announcement of Discovery being the first provider to bring video content to Google Earth.

    Google Earth is a satellite imagery-based mapping product that combines 3D buildings and terrain with mapping capability and Google search. Over the past year, there have been more than 10 million unique Google Earth downloads from around the world.

    Discovery senior executive VP for strategy and development Don Baer, says, “As promised, Discovery has continued to populate the world with engaging video to help Google Earth users explore the wonders of our planet. Discovery is dedicated to growing its showcase on Google Earth, giving virtual globetrekkers a journey of infinite proportions.”

    The initial collection included companion video for 10 of America’s most popular national parks,including Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and Dinosaur National Park. Drawing from its rich stable of programming and to enhance viewers’ experience with its TV brands, Discovery has expanded the offering to include 48 world landmarks, national parks, American and European cities, and African location.

    Google Earth users will find videos on everything from the design process used to create the face of George Washington on Mount Rushmore and how to make authentic Belgian chocolate, to the history of China’s Terra Cotta soldiers and why fire is one of the most important natural forces in Yellowstone Park’s ecosystem.

    Users can access the video elements by clicking on Discovery’s globe icon, shown at destination sites where Discovery video content is available. An interactive broadband player hosted by Discovery launches into a selection of rich and compelling two- to four-minute videos. Destinations include the following:

    • National Parks and Landmarks — Representing the natural diversity of the United States,videos are available for Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, the Everglades, Point Reyes National Seashore, Niagara Falls, Mt. Rushmore, Alaska National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Santa Monica Mountains National Park, Carlsbad Caverns and Dinosaur National Park.

    • US Cities — From the Lincoln Memorial to the Golden Gate Bridge, users can explore the history, architecture and food of some of America’s favorite cities; Atlanta, Boston,Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.

    • European Cities — Users can discover cathedrals, museums and neighborhoods while learning about the history, people and cultures of Europe’s greatest cities and regions: Amalfi Coast, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bavaria, Berlin, Brussels, Dublin, Edinburgh,Florence, Interlaken, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Naples, Paris, Rome and Zurich.

    • Africa — Unlocking the majesty of the world’s most diverse continent, users can learn about Ghana on a virtual tour with its president, uncover the ruins of a once great empire in Zimbabwe or get a glimpse inside King Tut’s famous crypt.

    • World Landmarks — Spanning thousands of years and hundreds of cultures, the human race has created astounding feats of architecture, engineering and beauty. Users can marvel at the majesty of some of the world’s greatest wonders, including the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Wall and Terra Cotta Army in China, El Tajin in Mexico, the Great Pyramids in Egypt and the Shrine of Itsukushima in Japan.

    • Coming Soon — Special features based on the upcoming global series Discovery Atlas. This is an HD project, offering video for 35 different locations in China, Brazil, Italy and Australia, the first of 30 countries in the multiyear programming franchise.

  • Discovery US, Google Earth in content alliance

    Discovery US, Google Earth in content alliance

    MUMBAI: Discovery US has announced the availability of its video content on Google Earth.

    This is a satellite imagery-based mapping product that combines 3D buildings and terrain with mapping capability and Google search.

    For the first time, Discovery will provide streaming video on Google Earth for locations around the world including popular destinations, historic sites and natural wonders, among others.

    Discovery will offer video content showcasing 10 of America’s most popular national parks, including Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and Dinosaur National Park. By clicking on Discovery’s globe icon shown at destination sites at which Discovery video content is available, Google Earth users will launch an interactive broadband player hosted by Discovery that will enable them to select from several two-to four-minute videos from Discovery’s rich archive at each target destination.

    Discovery senior executive VP for strategy and development Don Baer says, “By combining Discovery’s wealth of knowledge-based content with Google Earth’s innovative platform and technology, consumers have an unparalleled opportunity to explore our world as never before. With the worldwide appeal and utility of Discovery’s programming, the possibilities for exploration are endless.”

    Google Maps/Local/Earth director John Hanke says, “Google Earth users worldwide can now access enriching and educational videos that capture the breadth and detail of popular destinations and national landmarks. Discovery’s video content complements the immersive experience of Google Earth and aligns well with our company mission to deliver the world’s information directly to users.”

    Among Discovery’s core content genres of History, Science, the Natural World, Travel and Adventure and Animals, users will find:

    – Video content for 10 destinations available beginning today: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, The Everglades, Point Reyes National Seashore, Mt. Rushmore, Alaska National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Santa Monica Mountains National Park, Carlsbad Caverns and Dinosaur National Park.

    – Ongoing content updates and additions, including videos for nearly 50 new locations spanning the globe in the coming months.

    – Special features on Discovery’s specials such as the upcoming global series Discovery Atlas, an ambitious HD project, offering both video and companion content for 30 countries included in a multi-year programming franchise beginning with China, Brazil, Italy and Australia later this year.