As much as we land dwellers like to focus on it, land is only 1/3 of the world we live in; 2/3 is ocean. Google Earth is now filling in that gap with a bathymetric map (the ocean floor.) Instead of looking at low res shading to show depth, now Google Earth lovers will be able to go beneath the surface to study the sea bottom in 3D. Ocean life, as in land life, is presented as it was photographed. Dozens of scientists worked with Google to make this happen.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Bathymetric Mapping
- Opportunity to develop advanced technologies for high-resolution mapping of the ocean floor.
- Virtual Exploration
- Disruptive innovation opportunity to create immersive virtual reality experiences for studying the sea bottom.
- Ocean Conservation
- Potential for disruptive innovation in using bathymetric maps to develop sustainable practices for protecting ocean ecosystems.
Where This Applies
- Technology
- Developing new software and hardware solutions for creating accurate and detailed bathymetric maps.
- Education
- Creating educational tools and platforms using virtual reality technology for studying marine life and the ocean floor.
- Environmental Conservation
- Utilizing bathymetric maps to drive innovation in sustainable practices and policies for ocean conservation.
