Higher Res Imagery Coming to Google Earth

Google's provider of satellite imagery, DigitalGlobe, is launching a new satellite Tuesday. The WorldView I spacecraft promises more up-to-date and higher-resolution images. Combined with their current satellite in service, a company spokesman told Reuters that they should soon be able to gather as much satellite imagery each day as they currently do each week (600,000 square kilometers). A planned 3rd satellite will increase that collection rate to more than 1 million square kilometers per day (at half-meter resolution). As one person commented on digg.com, now I'll be able to use Google Earth to look for my lost keys!

The launch of the WorldView I satellite will be broadcast live on the internet Tuesday, and replays are said to be available for 24 hrs following.