The Web-Wide World

The Web-Wide World excerpt got me very interested in the way that these types of navigation technology work and how they allow the public eye to see much more than they used to. The article reads that there is now "...renewed hope that every sort of information... will become available to all with a few moves of the mouse" when it comes to a "digital earth". I found this very intriguing because having this sort of information can both help and harm. It would allow scientists and researchers obtain more information to conduct studies and further the public knowledge. Issues that involve the planet's climate and "global warming" can be observed more as well, when a 'digital earth' is able to be used.
Google Earth has what seems to be an infinite bank of pictures and images from street view to the view of the whole Earth and everything in between. It allows for users to easily access the view of the Earth which is what I like about it most. We can see places and things that we would not be able to see in person, even though through a computer screen. As a person who does not get to travel much, it is nice to see an extremely detailed map that I can 'visit' without actually visiting.  However, there could be many private boundaries crossed especially when earth is zoomed on a more personal, intimate level like what Google Earth can do. When you first use Google Earth, you usually zoom in on your house or a friend's house first. It may be fun for you, but the thought of every person (accessible to Google Earth) can do the same to your house, frightens me. It's something that can be good or bad. It is beneficial in the sense that people can see where they are going or what their destination looks like so going from place to place would be easier. However, if someone has an address, they can look up the exact location and see personal items and vehicles, and other things that can tie you to your house and/or location.
Overall, I think that the creation of a database like Google Earth is very beneficial, though I do have some concern when it comes to the privacy of others.