Google Earth maps history [ 14 Nov, 2006 1221hrs IST PTI ]
SAN FRANCISCO: Google has added historic map overlays to its free interactive online globe of the world to provide views of how places have changed with time.
Google Earth engineers digitised one of the largest US map collections and integrated the information into its programme, which lets users virtually navigate the planet and swoop in for closer looks.
The collection of David Rumsey Historical Maps dated from 1680 to 1892 and included Cassini's Globe of 1790; Africa in 1787, and a map of Asia from 1710.
"It is wonderful to see the cutting edge technology of Google Earth introduce people to the geographic history of our world in a new and innovative way," Rumsey said on Tuesday.
"The cartographers who made these historical maps hundreds of years ago would be amazed and pleased to see their treasures in Google Earth."
Google also added an interactive National Geographic quiz focused on Africa.
"Today, anyone hooked into the Web can explore any place on Earth at the click of a mouse." said National Geographic vice president Terry Garcia.
"Caring begins with seeing."
There have been over 100 million downloads of the Google Earth programme to computers since it was launched in June 2005.