As I have mentioned before, I love maps.Yesterday, Google showed off a new version of Google Earth that will allow users to explore the oceans of the world.

According to a story in the San Jose Mercury News, "The program combines satellite images, ocean photography and scientific data to create interactive 3-D images of the oceans' floors ... Users can study global sea temperature changes and track migrating whales."

Google used data from the National Geographic, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the US Navy, Scripps Oceanography, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, among others to generate the maps.

In addition, Google Earth was enhanced with several new features. One is the ability to look at a place and see how it changes over time; another is a simplified way to create shareable, narrated, fly-by tours; and the third is 3-D Mars. By clicking on "Mars" on the Google Earth toolbar, you can get a 3-D map using the latest high-resolution imagery and other interesting information.

Enjoy!