Virtual Visits To Where Dreams Come True (No, It’s Not Neverland)

by Kristen Nicole —

Google Earth map layers come in handy for a number of reasons, depending on your needs–from weather reports to virtual replicas of a particular area, these layers can be applied to a Google Earth map in order to create a more complete geographical perspective.

I’ve never been the type to take the time to use Google’s 3D image and object options for the creation of replicas of various locations–I’d rather look at someone else’s. One company that has seemingly put an obscene amount of time into the creation of a virtual map replica is Disney. What better way to lure you into a summer vacation at the Magic Kingdom?

Disney World’s new Google EarthGoogle Earth map features 3D models and KML layers, highlighting everything from the iconic monorail to the park benches. Disney has included videos and Flash animations as well. Leave it to Disney to create a magical Google map experience. The areas that are featured on the new map layer include all four Theme Parks and over 20 Disney Resort hotels–from Spaceship Earth to Main Street, USA.

So will we be seeing more branding opportunities for physical locations through the use of Google Earth map layers? I could see a greater potential towards this end if Google Earth were more readily available through the web browser and didn’t require a download for something like viewing the 3D Disney World. In the specific use of travel-planning, such branding opportunities could be viable for integrated mapping and itinerary creation for Disney and other planning sites as well.