Google has announced Google Earth 5, an update to its popular and free desktop application for viewing satellite images of our planet. The new version features a major increase in the amount of data available to users, including brand new 3D ocean floors, and photos of the surface of Mars

John Hanke, director of Google Earth and Maps, said, "Vast parts [of the ocean] are largely unexplored and we don't really know what's down there." According to CNET News, who have a video demonstration and slideshow of the new features available, “A worldwide network of scientists will be constantly adding video, photos, and underwater topography”.

The new underwater panoramas are accompanied by historical imagery, ocean floor and surface data from marine experts, and easier ways to record visual and audio tours of the globe, turning Google Earth into a viable platform for researchers to share their data with the public at large.