Google may launch 3D moon mapping tool

Google may launch a new 3D moon mapping tool to honor the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing on July 20, 2009, some reports have speculated.A press conference will be held that same day by The Mountain View Chocolate Factory to make a special announcement about the addition of the latest feature to Google Earth.

The second man to walk on moon Buzz Aldrin and the author of ‘Man on moon’ Andrew Chaikin will speak at the press conference, Google has said.

While it is still conjecture whether Google will launch the 3D moon mapping tool, some reports say that it is not a coincidence that the press conference is being held on July 20.

On July 20, 1969, NASA’s Apollo 1 successfully landed on the moon.

NASA’s recent mission, the ‘Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter’, has been transmitting some great pictures of the surface of the moon.

The satellite is capable of snapping 3D pictures of the moon’s surface which can be used to replace the current 2D overhead pictures that Google moon currently displays.

Google has already provided the 3D view of Mars through Google Earth 5.0.