Topic: Google Earth

Where did that Russian meteor come from? Astronomers determine origins.

Relying on the many publicly available videos of the meteor that exploded over Russia's Ural Mountains earlier this month, a pair of Colombian astronomers say that they have calculated the space rock's orbit.

Google Maps presents North Korea through a new lens

Google Maps released its first atlas of North Korea on Monday, which outlines major roads, landmarks, hospitals, and prison labor camps within the country's borders.

Change Agent Mobile technology boosts access to clean water for the poor

The widespread availability of mobile phones has enabled the development of low-cost solutions aimed at improving water security and reducing poverty.

Global News Blog Good Reads: A lesson for democracy, lost and found on Google Earth, and the next Arab uprising

This week's good reads include words of wisdom from Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi, using the Internet and applied mathematics to find the long road home, and a profile of Egyptian courage.

Ghana's best shot at going green: sewage power

With solar and wind power costly and inadequate, Ghanaians are turning to some very alternative sources of energy – like human waste.

Google Maps: How long until it's available for iPhone again?

Google was reportedly caught off-guard by Apple's decision to drop Google Maps and introduce its own Maps app in iOS 6, as the contract between the two companies still had more than a year left.

Poland begins uncovering story of secret US detention center

An official probe has begun into how much the Polish government knew about a covert US detention center outside Warsaw where the CIA may have tortured members of Al Qaeda.

Syria's chemical weapons: How secure are they?

Syria has been amassing chemical weapons since the 1980s and is believed to have a larger stockpile than any other country that has faced ethnic civil war.

Backchannels Thomas Friedman... for her!

A new bar has been set for internet parodies of the New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman.

Horizons Google Earth, now in 3-D!

With 3-D imagery, expanded street view, and offline access, Google Earth and Google Maps got a pretty major boost this week. Rumor has it that Google is beefing up their services before Apple launches its own competing map app.

Horizons 3D maps coming to iPhone 5, iOS 6: report

According to a new report, Apple will soon ditch the Google Maps app for an in-house product, which could feature a 3D mode. 

Escape from Camp 14

This true story of life in a North Korean prison camp may be the most disturbing book that you will ever read.

'Monopoly': A YouTube sensation knocks Saudi royalty

'Monopoly,' one of several new critical videos, derides Saudi Arabia's lack of housing as a groom-to-be shows viewers the van where he envisions living with his new wife.

Ham radio hangs on

How to watch the lunar eclipse right now on YouTube

Lunar eclipse blues? Google is offering a bunch of options for astronomy fans marooned in North America.

Rio's shantytowns shrink – on Google Maps, at least

Rio de Janeiro has complained for years that Google Maps overstates the size of the city's favelas or shantytowns. It's one of many diplomatic disputes worldwide over Google's online maps.

Human rights: Use satellite "spy" camera for proof and prevention

From a giant "SOS" carved on the ground in Kyrgyzstan to mortar-shell spray in Sri Lanka, human rights can be served by a satellite "spy" camera for proof and prevention of atrocities.

Nexus S review roundup

Nexus S – the latest Google handset – hits store shelves this week. So how does the Google Nexus S stack up?

When paternalism leaves a community more vulnerable

As climate change increases flood hazards, fire hazards, and hurricane intensity, insurance prices will rise, too – unless we're 'protected' from the information.

Google TV: why Hollywood isn't running scared

Hollywood has long been skittish about new technologies. The VCR sent the industry into a panic. But Google TV? No worries. Hollywood has changed.

Mexico's ground still moving from April earthquake

The 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Baja California and the American Southwest is continuing to displace the ground, according to NASA radar images.

Pentagon to adopt NFL's instant replay technology

Used by the NFL, the Full-Motion Video Asset Management Engine, would allow the military to monitor the battlefront just as referees and commentators can monitor the gridiron.

Fossils found in South Africa point to early human ancestors

The fossil, nearly 2 million years old, 'may make a very good candidate' to be a new species of early human. Found in South Africa, it has a unique combination of ape-like and human features.

Snow in all 50 states? New storm could make that true.

The South faces the brunt of another major East Coast snowstorm. If the Florida Panhandle gets an inch or two as expected, then there will be snow in all 50 states.

Santa tracker? NORAD and Google Maps show the way

Online Santa trackers get fancy this year with 3D animations, video, and live interactive maps.