Google diving into 3D mapping of oceans

[under water]

Just saw this article about Google's foray into doing a Google Earth version of the Oceans.
Might be interesting to diving in general.

Google diving into 3D mapping of oceans | Tech news blog - CNET News.com

Excerpt:
"We've got Google Earth and Google Sky. Next up will be a map of the world below sea level--Google Ocean.
The company has assembled an advisory group of oceanography experts, and in December invited researchers from institutions around the world to the Mountain View, Calif., Googleplex. There, they discussed plans for creating a 3D oceanographic map, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The tool--for now called Google Ocean, the sources say, though that name could change--is expected to be similar to other 3D online mapping applications. People will be able to see the underwater topography, called bathymetry; search for particular spots or attractions; and navigate through the digital environment by zooming and panning. (The tool, however, is not to be confused with the "Google Ocean" project by France-based Magic Instinct Software that uses Google Earth as a visualization tool for marine data.) ......."

 

[String]

Looks interesting. Wonder what sort of resolution they'll decide on.

Ive seen and used localised versions of it around here for survey work and wreck hunting but an overview of the ocean to see the shelves, drop offs etc would be interesting.

 

[under water]

Looks interesting. Wonder what sort of resolution they'll decide on.

From the article .. "
"It would take about 100 ship years to map the oceans at high resolution," said Dave Sandwell, a professor of geophysics at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
"
It would be great if it was higher res, but I doubt it will be photographic so that you can do virtual swimthroughs in Grand Caymans walls.

It's one thing taking a hi-res picture of land from a plane. Don't have that luxury under the waves.. especially in the lo-viz areas.

Oh wait.. maybe if they provided a virtual HID light

 

[perdidochas]

Just saw this article about Google's foray into doing a Google Earth version of the Oceans.
Might be interesting to diving in general.

Google diving into 3D mapping of oceans | Tech news blog - CNET News.com

Excerpt:
"We've got Google Earth and Google Sky. Next up will be a map of the world below sea level--Google Ocean.
The company has assembled an advisory group of oceanography experts, and in December invited researchers from institutions around the world to the Mountain View, Calif., Googleplex. There, they discussed plans for creating a 3D oceanographic map, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The tool--for now called Google Ocean, the sources say, though that name could change--is expected to be similar to other 3D online mapping applications. People will be able to see the underwater topography, called bathymetry; search for particular spots or attractions; and navigate through the digital environment by zooming and panning. (The tool, however, is not to be confused with the "Google Ocean" project by France-based Magic Instinct Software that uses Google Earth as a visualization tool for marine data.) ......."

Wow!!

 

[String]

Resolution may depend on their data sources, assuming its like the land photos they buy in from various sources and some areas for various reasons (research projects etc) have been done in a lot more detail than others so its not impossible that some areas will be better than others.

 

[drbill]

They'd better not show the locations of the old Spanish galleons I plan to dive when I get the right submersible!!!

 

[ScubaSteve]

That is great news. I already have way too many things to distract me from work...one more cannot hurt.

 

[sporket]

Sounds neat.

 

[Captain Morgan]

"We know far more about the suface of Mars from a few weeks of radar surveying in orbit than we know of the bottom of the ocean after two centuries."

Wow! :boings:Now isn't that something?

 

[TSandM]

If they come up with something like the beautiful topographic maps people are using of Monterey Bay, it will be fabulous. The Monterey charter boat I was on carries printouts of the maps, so you can see the topography of the site you are going to dive ahead of time. It was great!