Discovery Adds Videos to Google Earth

Discovery Communications said Thursday that video content from its library would be included in Google Earth through a deal signed with the search engine. Initially, video would be available for ten American National Parks.

Some of the parks in the initial release include Yellowstone, The Everglades, Mt. Rushmore, Alaska National Parks and Dinosaur National Park among others.

Users of Google Earth will be able to view content by clicking on the Discovery Globe logo at the selected sites. Pictures as well as two to four minute videos about the location will be available for viewing.

"Discovery's video content complements the immersive experience of Google Earth and aligns well with our company mission to deliver the world's information directly to users," Google Earth director John Hanke said in a statement.

The network plans to expand the list by an additional 50 sites in the coming months, covering popular destinations, historic sites and natural wonders, Discovery said. Additionally, sites that were featured in the upcoming multi-year series "Discovery Atlas" would also be added as they are shown.

China, Brazil, Italy, and Australia would be among the first to be spotlighted in that new series and on Discovery's application within Google Earth beginning later this year.

Making the feature possible is Google's geographic markup language called KML. The company says anyone can publish content for the service using the code. Already several companies have used the technology, including Travel and Leisure, Maxim, EarthBooker, PlaceOPedia, the USGS, and Panoramio.