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Google has upgraded its mapping tools, making it easier and more accessible for users. The online search giant said 4 times more land will be covered in the latest version of its free Google Earth software, that'll enable about 1/3 of the world's population to obtain an aerial view of their homes and neighborhoods. The software also is being offered in German, Spanish, French and Italian. The application now runs on the Linux operating system, a breakthrough likely to broaden the product's appeal.
Meanwhile Google Maps, the company's service for finding directions has emerged as a major challenger to the long-time leaders in the category, AOL's Mapquest and Yahoo!. According to Neilson Net Ratings, Google Maps attracted 26 million U.S. visitors last month, to rank third behind Mapquest at 43.5 million visitors and Yahoo at 26.1 million.
For all its inroads in mapping, the company still hasn't provided a clear plan for making money from the products, much to the dismay of Wall Street analysts. Google addressed that concern on Monday by announcing it will license usage of its online maps to businesses and government agencies that wanna customize the service. The licenses expected to begin at about $10,000 annually will include support from Google's engineering staff.
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