Google (News - Alert) has transformed Google Earth overnight with the release of version 6.2. The earth-mapping application upgraded its imagery, changing what were once choppy patches of images to a smoother, more detailed map.

Google Earth allows users the ability to zoom into any location worldwide. The program includes satellite images of the entire world, allowing users to see high-resolution images of 60 percent of the world’s most populated areas. Google Earth has expanded over the years, giving users the ability to see 3D images, view the actual streets in some locations, and view historical imagery when available.

Users of any satellite imaging system or service are accustomed to seeing differences in the tiles which make up the images you are trying to view. This is due to the fact that the tiles correspond to a mosaic of satellite images taken on different days. Since each day will have different lighting and different weather conditions, when the tiles are put together it can look like a broken up mess.

A Google spokeswoman said, “We are always working on making Google Earth imagery as seamless as possible. These recent changes will make the map more beautiful by showing a single source of data at high altitudes, significantly reducing patchiness from orbit. You may notice as you zoom in that there will be shifts in imagery as data from different sources transitions in but we aim to minimize this effect through special processing.”

Google Earth Product Manager Peter Birch posted on Google’s blog saying he was excited about the progress the company has made with Google Earth. “The end result is a beautiful new Earth-viewing experience that preserves the unique textures of the world’s most defining geographic landscapes – without the quilt effect,” wrote Birch.

The map, which now looks more realistic than ever, also includes new searching features integrated with Google+, allowing users to share images they have taken in places around the world with friends and family. Google+ users also have the ability to take a screenshot of an area they are looking at in Google Earth and email the image or share it to Google+.

Google continues to promote and integrate all its products -- specifically to Google+ -- after the company’s CEO Larry Page (News - Alert) announced that Google+ had hit more than 90 million active users. The new Google Earth 6.2 can be downloaded now via an update from Google’s website.

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