14 DAY TRIAL // Google Earth is the search giant's downloadable application that allows users to view maps and other satellite imagery directly from your desktop. It is surely one of the most popular solutions provided by Google but, for other organizations, it represents one of the biggest problems on the Internet. It seems like Google's product offers some high resolution photos that display sensitive locations meant to be hidden from the public eye.
As you know, Google decided to celebrate The Australian Day by making 3D photos of Sydney by flying over the city with a plane containing special equipment. Although the company didn't receive the authorities' approval to fly at 600 meters altitude, Google managed to capture some high resolution photos that were included in Google Maps last week.
Today, the first results of the improvement are now biting Google, the company being criticized because it provides detailed imagery with sensitive locations. Sydney's Garden Island naval depot, the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor, Parliament House and The Lodge and the Australian Defense Force headquarters in Canberra are only some of the locations revealed by Google Earth.
"Google takes Australian security issues very seriously. We're always willing to discuss any security concerns with state and Commonwealth government agencies and officials. They haven't informed us of any, but we're always willing to engage in dialogue if they do. (But) as the imagery is not in real time and is available from other commercial and public sources, we believe that Google Earth and Maps present no incremental threat to Australian security," spokesman Rob Shilkin said.
This is not the first time when Google Earth is attacked for the detailed images it provides. In the past, the terrorists were using the downloadable application to organize attacks against the UK troops located in Basra. Numerous researchers were also using Google's product to monitor volcanoes activity in every corner of the world.