Google has just unveiled Google Earth 7, packed with great new features.

First, as promised, the new “3D Imagery” is now available on the desktop. As expected, the imagery looks amazing when viewed from above, but kind of messy when you zoom in tight. This is something that will certainly improve in future releases.

For example, here is a high view of Austin, TX:



About Mickey Mellen Mickey has been using Google Earth since it was released in 2005, and has created a variety of geo-related sites including Google Earth Hacks. He runs a web design firm in Marietta, GA, where he lives with his wife and two kids.

Here is a lower-level view inside of Austin. Trees seem to have the most issues, but it varies quite a bit from area to area:As a nice touch,if you’d prefer to view the older 3D models. To do that, go into [Tools] –> [Settings] and uncheck the box for “Use 3D Imagery” as shown here:In addition to releasing this feature on the desktop they’ve unveiled fresh new 3D imagery for Avignon, France; Austin, Texas; Munich, Germany; Phoenix, Arizona; and Mannheim, Germany.They’ve also added the, very similar to what we saw released on Android earlier in the year. It flies you through famous landmarks, offers stats and info from Wikipedia, and you’ll find quite a few to choose from. The tour guide can be enabled and disabled by using the [View] –> [Tour Guide] option in the menu bar.All in all, it’s an awesome update. The tours are fun and the new 3D imagery is stunning — though it’s nice to be able to toggle the old imagery for close-up shots.and leave your thoughts in the comments below.