Does Google have its GeoEye on you?
By Michael W. Jones
Earlier this year, Google became the largest, and certainly the most visible, sponsor of GeoEye-1, a digital reconnaissance satellite in geosynchronous orbit around the Earth. From 423 miles up, the satellite (owned by GeoEye of Dulles, VA) has now sent its first official image back to earth, a high-res photograph of the campus of Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. The satellite has been undergoing testing and image calibration since its launch on September 6.
When the photo was released, the CEO of GeoEye, Matthew O’Connell said, “We are pleased to release the first GeoEye-1 image, bringing us even closer to the start of the satellite’s commercial operations and sales to our customers. This is a remarkable achievement, and I want to thank all of our employees, customers, especially the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, strategic partners, vendors and investors for their support.”
Although much of the work produced by the satellite will end up in government hands, especially those of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Google will be using the space-borne system to produce clearer, crisper images for its popular Google Earth software. GeoEye-1 is expected to begin providing images to Google and its other customers before the end of the year.
Looked at carefully, it seems possible that this budding relationship could blossom into a full-blown marriage. Although the basic Google Earth software and imagery are provided free of charge to most users, Google still offers Google Earth Plus and Google Earth Pro for a charge ($20 and $400 annually, respectively). This implies the existence of a business model for the product line, and perhaps a model ready for expansion.
Were Google to acquire GeoEye, it would secure a steady stream of satellite images, as well as the technology that supports the imaging effort. The company comes with a built-in governmental client base and an existing revenue stream. It would seem that such an acquisition would be attractive to Google, and it would not be a great surprise were an acquisition announcement to be made in the near future. GeoEye would be a great fit for Google, and the images that the marriage would produce would be a great fit for Google Earth users at all levels.
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