Google Earth Helps Iraqis Survive

Google Earth is a downloadable application that helps you view satellite photos and other imagery with the entire world directly from the desktop of your computer. Although the company owns one more service with similar functions, Google Maps, the program is updated periodically with new features meant to attract more users. For example, Google Earth was improved with SketchUp support, allowing users to design their own 3D models for cities, streets or buildings to include them into the application.
Because the application is very powerful and is updated periodically, the program is more than a simple Internet software solution, helping Iraqis survive and avoid trouble regions. As you know, Iraq is not quite a peaceful country since the war ended so many residents are using Google Earth to identify dangerous locations.

"Google Earth is also emerging as the only way to see much of the city which is off- limits because of security threats to the Iraqi government and the American-led coalition. Many buildings and streets are hidden now behind high blast barriers.. If there are reports of fighting, I consult Google Earth to try to find a new way," Hussein Ama said. "As I am a Shia I have to avoid roads with Sunni mosques. If there is a checkpoint outside, it is likely that I would be kidnapped and my throat cut." A taxi driver, Mohammad Sami, said he had other considerations when he consulted online maps. "I use the maps to find the connecting roads so that if I am stuck in a traffic jam and there is trouble I can get away," he said," The Telegraph reported.

Some time ago, Google Earth was involved in a similar matter because terrorists were using the downloadable application and the Google Maps service to organize attacks against UK troops located in Basra. At that time, the search giant decided to fix the issue by replacing certain satellite photos with older ones captured before the departure of the army in the area.