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CALIFORNIA: While Google fights tooth and nail with Microsoft on one front, it's giving non-profit organisations a big cuddle on the other.
The search giant's caring side was revealed today with the launch of a new initiative to help non-profit organisations maximise the potential of Google Earth.
At an event at Google's Mountain View headquarters, it unveiled the Google Earth Outreach program, and new Global Awareness layers from Global Heritage Fund, Earthwatch Institute and TransFair USA.
Google Earth Outreach helps groups use the satellite-based viewer to maximum effect, using it to create map layers to get information across quickly and effectively.
It lets non-profit organisations use extensive online guides and other digital resources to milk the most from the popular software, and launches forums to promote the sharing of ideas and media with similarly-focussed groups.
"Google's mission is all about making information more accessible and useful," said Elliot Schrage, VP of Global Communications & Public Affairs.
"With programs like Google Earth Outreach, we seek to help create a 'marketplace of ideas' in the growing not-for-profit sector that rivals and complements what we offer commercial enterprises. In a very practical way, Google Earth Outreach demonstrates that technology can inspire action by bringing seemingly distant problems closer to home." "
"Our goal with Google Earth Outreach is to help public service organisations worldwide leverage our mapping technology to further their goals by providing tailored technical guidance and grants," said John Hanke, Director of Google Earth & Maps. "Now any organisation can quickly and easily annotate Google Earth with pictures, video and information to tell visual, compelling stories of the work they do to over 200 million Google Earth users."
- NZ HERALD STAFF
