"Google Satellite" To Be Launched This Week

Lord Satri writes "Well, almost. Google signed an exclusivity deal with GeoEye regarding GeoEye-1, the most advanced high-resolution, civil, remote-sensing satellite to date. This must be annoying for other high-resolution, remote-sensing data users since Google already has an exclusivity deal in place with DigitalGlobe, the other major civil satellite imagery provider. From the CNet article: 'Under the deal, Google is the exclusive online mapping site that may use the imagery... in its Google Maps and Google Earth product. And as a little icing on the cake, Google's logo is on the side of the rocket set to launch the 4,300-pound satellite in six days from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed. GeoEye-1 will orbit 423 miles above Earth, but it will be able to gather imagery with details the size of 41 centimeters... Google, though, is permitted to use data only with a resolution of 50 cm because of the terms of GeoEye's license with the US government.'"

Comments

The jury's still out

[plover]

Is a Google satellite evil or not evil? Discuss.

Re:The jury's still out

[maxume]

Google bought outer space?

Re:The jury's still out

[Plaid Phantom]

Is there a death ray? It's the only way to be sure.

Re:The jury's still out

[AmigaHeretic]

Is a Google satellite evil or not evil? Discuss.

Do you mean.... Dr. Evil??



Johnson: [Noticing Dr. Evil's spaceship on radar] Colonel, you better have a look at this radar.
Colonel: What is it, son?
Johnson: I don't know, sir, but it looks like a giant--
Jet Pilot: Dick.
Dick: Yeah?
Jet Pilot: Take a look out of starboard.
Dick: Oh my God, it looks like a huge--
Bird-Watching Woman: Pecker.
Bird-Watching Man: [raising binoculars] Ooh, Where?
Bird-Watching Woman: Wait, that's not a woodpecker, it looks like someone's--
Army Sergeant: Privates! We have reports of an unidentified flying object. It has a long, smooth shaft, complete with--
Baseball Umpire: Two balls.
[looking up from game]
Baseball Umpire: What is that. It looks just like an enormous--
Chinese Teacher: Wang, pay attention!
Wang: I was distracted by that giant flying--
Musician: Willie.
Willie Nelson: Yeah?
Musician: What's that?
Willie Nelson: [squints] Well, that looks like a giant--
Colonel: Johnson?!
Johnson: Yes, sir?
Colonel: Get on the horn to British Intelligence and let them know about this.

Re:The jury's still out

[istartedi]

You hack into the satellite and change the coordinates. I'll break into Page's and Brin's houses and set up the giant popcorn tin.

(That's a Real Genius reference for those who were out of geek culture class that day)

Kewl

[eclectro]

Shiny new browser that can do everything and fancy new satellite. The only thing missing is my new RFID implant.

Re:Kewl

[should_be_linear]

The only thing missing is my new RFID implant.

I have mine already! It is still beta and therefore limited availability for pre-registered users.

Re:why the

[loshwomp]

50cm restriction? do they have something to hide??

Everyone knows WMDs are only 49cm across.

Courtesy of Google SatWords

[rbarreira]

Guy comes out of bar holding a girl's hand while walking home. Suddenly, a targeted ad for condoms is projected on the ground in front of them.

Re:why the

[Anonymous Coward]

50cm restriction? do they have something to hide??

Everyone knows WMDs are only 49cm across.

I know a few gentlemen in my favorite streaming video web sites who should be worried that google can take pictures of 19 inch monster appendages :D

Re:why the

[Tibor the Hun]

Hmm, I'd be inclined to bet that it will hide precisely 9cm!

Re:50cm? How about 10?

[QuantumG]

They use aerial photogr.... wait a minute, *FOUR* other people have said this already.

Don't you wish that everyone would read the whole freakin' thread before replying.

Jesus.

Re:why the

[afabbro]

50cm is like half a meter.

It's precisely half a meter.

Re:Gee I should have had a..

[thetoadwarrior]

vegetables, oh teh horror! ;)

Re:Good news

[BraksDad]

I thought we already established that WMD are only 49cm across. You don't need to hide it, just paint it beige and it will look like a nude woman sunbathing... or a litter of spaniels. What is the differnce between the 3?