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Google Earth Beta for Mac

Posted by Zonk on from the hooray-for-earth dept.

Thijs van As writes "AppleInsider reports that Google is developing a Google Earth version for Mac OS X. From the screenshots it looks similar to the Windows version, which is out since June 2005. The OS X version uses OpenGL rendering." From the article: "Earlier this month, a pre-release version of Google Earth for Mac OS X that uses OpenGL rendering reportedly began making the rounds overseas. The 40MB application packs a hefty set of preferences, allowing users to tweak detail and color, and control the speed of their 'flights.' Google Earth interfaces with Google's Web-based mapping service, Google Maps, in providing local search results and driving directions. However, sources say Google Earth for Mac OS X includes a superior set of satellite imagery when compared to the Google Maps Web service, offering additional clarity and a deeper zoom function."

2 of 64 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I really don't care what it looks like... by moosesocks · · Score: 4, Interesting

    We're not talking about 'pretty' here. The main gripe the mac community has with programs like this is that they do not follow the conventions of a normal OS X user interface. A 'pretty' media player would have the same problem.

    The strength of the Cocoa and Carbon windowing toolkits has allowed many first-rate applications to be developed without requiring the developers to resort to creating their own (ugly) controls. Windows has been guilty of this on many accounts, and microsoft's only beginning to make up for it with .NET. It's not uncommon to see custom UIs in Windows such as Winamp, GEarth, iTunes, Trillian, etc.... because the standard UI controls available are simply not sufficent to create a usable, streamlined application that's also visually appealing.

    In contrast, GEarth could operate just fine using standard OS X controls and conforming to the OS X UI Guidelines. Using a standardized toolkit also has many nice perks like that drag-and-drop *always* works.

    --
    -- If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done? - Uli's moose
  2. NASA WorldWind and alike on MacOS X by Lord+Satri · · Score: 4, Interesting

    This is indeed really great news. Let's not forget the open NASA WorldWind project also has Java/OpenGL versions in development for MacOS X and Linux and that WorldWind itself has been forked into Punt.

    If you're serious about geospatial, you might be interested in joining us :-)

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    Animoog.org