Google has released the latest version of its Google Earth [5.0 (Beta)] with the new features as below:

• Historical imagery from around the globe
• Ocean floor and surface data from marine experts
• Simplified touring with audio and voice recording

As if looking at the landscape on Earth and stars in the outer space isn’t enough, the new Google Earth added more things for us to see: the Ocean layer. This new feature is the one that interests me the most, for me as a recreational diver and marine life lover. In the Ocean layer, there are contents (video/photos/text) provided by BBC, National Geographic and a few other organizations, as well as ocean sports sites mapping (dive sites, surf sites etc).

Great Barrier Reef (Explore The Ocean)

Great Barrier Reef (BBC Earth)

The dive sites information are still far from complete, but it is interactive (via http://www.wannadive.net) where the divers can add own photos, dive logs, trip info and comments, so over time, I can foresee that the dive sites will be loaded with a wealth of information which is very useful to divers planning a trip to the dive site. Also, many dive sites are not having their markers added on the map yet. I am looking forward to see more and more dive site markers being added by the divers all over the world. This can be done via http://www.wannadive.net.

Pulau Tioman Dive Sites - more sites can be added via http://wannadive.net

Wrong info: Clearly Pulau Mabul but tagged as Pulau Sipadan

Two more interesting layers under Ocean are the Animal Tracking and Shipwrecks. In Animal Tracking, you can see where certain tagged animals (whalesharks, turtles, tuna, dolphins etc) traveled over the last few months. Not a lot of tagged animals yet, but more should be added in gradually. Shipwreck markers show those famous shipwrecks, like Titanic, U-boats and many others. Technical dive sites HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales, both near Pulau Tioman, are included as well.

HMS Prince of Wales Shipwreck

Whaleshark's Tracking

There are some other layers under the new Ocean feature in Google Earth too. There are just so much high-quality content being added, and new contents are pouring in by the minutes. Google is doing a great job to educate the public regarding the Ocean and the Underwater world. Tying the content to the geographical location on the world atlas makes so much sense – things suddenly become real and no more virtual. Increasing in public awareness regarding the amazing underwater world will in turn make people start to think (and take action) about environmental conservation. Wishful thinking, but no harm dreaming!