Google Earth image showing Dusseldorf in 1943
Fascinating arial reconnaissance photographs, dating from various points thought out World War Two are now available in Google Earth. They mostly show bomb damage in some 35 major cities across Europe. To view the images, make sure you have the latest version of Google Earth installed. To activate the time line, click the clock icon in the status bar at the top, then use the slider to go back in time to 1943.
I hope they continue to add more historical reconnaissance photographs from the period. The Atlantic Wall and the areas around Normandy would be particularly fascinating. Many areas were extensively photographed during the war by both sides, and it is no doubt possible that it could be extended to include these. Adding additional photos to Google Earth would provide some very useful research and educational tools, and could lead to some interesting map ‘mash-ups’. For instance, using the timeline feature you could add a strategic map layer showing major campaigns / battles and the front line across Europe/Russia, North Africa and the far East. You could then track through the timeline day by day and follow individual battles and movements of Divisions. Just a thought really. I have thought that type of thing, would be a great history resources for a long while. Guess I need to get busy and attempt it myself., with one or two battles, and see if it can be done.
In announcing the feature, Ed Parsons, Google’s Geospatial Technologist, said, “Many of us have heard stories, read books and watched films which show the many impacts of WWII across the world. We hope that this World War II imagery will enable all of us to understand our shared history in a new way and to learn more about the impact of the war on the development of our cities.”
Loading ...