Google Earth To Get Higher-res

Google's kicked off a new space race with the launch of a new satellite, in collaboration with Boeing (who took it into space) and Geoeye, who has partially funded the project. Not unlike DigitalGlobe--one of the companies that provide the imagery for Google Earth--Geoeye, too, is a commercial provider of satellite imagery.



For an undisclosed, but likely ridiculous sum, Google has bought exclusive rights to use Geoeye's images for Google Earth. If this comparison is anything to go by, you'll soon be able to see even your old uncle's bald spot clearly with Google Earth. And that's always good.

Incidentally, yes, that is the Google logo on the rocket.