Interesting viewpoint. I never thought about it this way. I wonder if Google thought about those concerns and took any appropriate steps?

I think Google decreases the resolution of certain ‘sensitive’ government and military areas upon request but what about individuals who are photographed sunbathing topless, or even naked, on top of their roofs? Certainly, we cannot identify them but I’m sure their neighbors could!

By placing these images in easy reach of the global public, it levels the playing field for those that already had access to such images and were able to exploit their gained knowledge and advantage. Google Earth is a grand and good disruptor in this respect!

The satellites are already there :-/ We should adjust to deal with it. (I think we can)

I can understand that some organisations would be worried about having their geographic location and layout on a free-access product like Google Maps. I think that Google does reduce the resolution for areas which serve the public interest by being a bit grey (military sites, etc.).

For the rest of us, all Google Earth has done is take the concept of Public Domain (with regards to photography) and turned it 90 degrees. Space is a public place (even though we may not be able to visit just yet) and if you don’t want something shared publicly, then you should hide it so it cannot be seen from a public place (whether that is over the fence of from a hundred miles up).

In the future google earth will be able to simulate mass hurricanes, tsunamis and other natural disasters so people can learn the devastation before it happens.

But the thing i like about google earth is they give you this http://www.sketchup.com , impressive free software to create 3D objects, and even place them in google earth.

Google is stetting the standard for the rest,

I take your point. It’s like the way native Americans of a previous century did not want to be photographed. Maybe Google could give people or governments a way to opt out. Technically its feasible. But logistically it would be difficult…...I think we need to balance this disadvantage with all the advantages, including response to environmental problems and natural disasters. I like the view of the globe that helps us see that we are connected to other people in other places and countries – kind of like that first Apollo photo showing the Earth as a whole without country boundaries.

Google Earth is beginning to highlight ecological devastation across the world. G-Earth is very good.