Internet Availability of Imagery Worries Some World Leaders

摘要

The combination of search software and a growing global database of remote sensing products is making it increasingly easy for Internet users worldwide to find highly accurate images of just about any place on Earth including some that governments around the world would prefer to keep secret. Programs like Google Earth, MSN Virtual Earth and their competitors take imagery from a variety of sources, from local government records to high-resolution imagery provided by commercial remote sensing companies, and aggregate it into an easily navigated system accessible by personal computer. As the popularity of these imagery products increases, however, a number of world leaders are expressing concern that it poses a security risk.