Google puts Westport on 3D global map

THE worldwide phenomenon Google Earth has already tied up outer space and cyber-space, but now it’s focused on the next frontier — Westport, Co Mayo.

The internet technology, which has popularised geography, will launch a service next week allowing its users access to what has become the world’s first fully three-dimensional digital town.

Thanks to technology already developed in west Mayo, Google has adopted Westport as its first site with architectural quality images of its streets, available on its satellite service.

It is still in discussions to see if the service can be rolled out beyond Westport.

Town manager Peter Hynes said the 3D profile, originally developed for planning purposes within the town, will take on a new life with its ties to Google Earth.

“This is another first for Westport, a first for Ireland and possibly the world. I am very proud our town is playing such a major role in international technology. This is literally putting Westport firmly on the global map,” he said.

The three-dimensional Westport was developed by AMT3D, a company based in the heritage town.

Yesterday, Anne O’Leary of AMT3D said the launch will help promote the town around the world.

“Previously this was introduced to help people with planning applications but the prospects now are to promote the town as a tourist destination.

“Places like New York already have 3D images but they are just plain square-type designs, this is the first with picture-quality images of the town itself,” she said.

Google Earth is a free internet service which allows users to view satellite images of locations around the world. In areas with the highest quality imaging the programme allows people to zoom in and view shots of people’s gardens taken from space.

It has already linked up with technology to send information to compatible mobile phones on the coordinates of the person holding the device.

People can also plot the stars above their heads based on their geographical position found on Google Earth.

Daniela Brica, Google Earth’s senior associate and 3D Captain for Europe, the Middle East & Africa, will launch the project in Westport next Wednesday evening.

It will be available on earth.google.com from January 16.