Google Earth adds WaterAid "Layer"

April 10, 2008

Information on WaterAid's programs addressing global water and sanitation crisis available to 350 million people worldwide who have downloaded Google Earth.

London, England -- A powerful new program to help non-profits reach tens of millions of people around the world was unveiled today by Google. 

WaterAid is now one of only 15 non-profits worldwide to have a "layer" on Google Earth which enables the 350 million people globally who have downloaded the program to access written, audio and video information about WaterAid's work around the world and learn more about the global safe water and sanitation crisis. 

The Google Earth Outreach program gives NGOs and charities the skills and resources to use Google Earth and Maps to show their work and highlight their cause to a mass audience. It means organizations such as WaterAid can overlay written, audio and video information onto Google Earth in what is known as a layer and have their work viewed by people across the globe.

"Google Earth's WaterAid layer is truly a window into our work around the world," said Patricia Dandonoli, President and CEO of WaterAid America.  "It offers a dynamic, interactive way for people to "visit" the communities where WaterAid works.  There's an immediacy to the information on the layer that we hope fosters a deeper, more personal understanding of the challenges faced by the people living without access to safe water and sanitation and how WaterAid helps." 

Mapping with Google Earth in Pakistan

Listen to Pamela Rodrigues, WaterAid's Country Representative in Pakistan, talk about how WaterAid and its partners there use Google Earth and mapping. 

Listen now (MP3, 2mins, 2.2Mb)

 

The new Google Earth Outreach program includes grants for licenses of the professional versions of Google Earth and Google SketchUp (the 3D modeling software) plus text and video tutorials on how to use these powerful tools.

Rebecca Moore, Head of Earth Outreach at Google, said: "Charities and NGOs are constantly looking for new ways to make people aware of the issues they are trying to solve. Putting information into its geographical context makes it possible to show the complexity and the effect of the work of organizations such as WaterAid."

The WaterAid layer can be found in the Global Awareness folder of the Featured Content section in Google Earth. Download Google Earth for free here or view a demo here: 

To date, 350 million people have downloaded Google Earth around the world. There are 15 layers in the Global Awareness section of Google Earth and thousands of KML layers have been created by individuals and organizations around the world.

More information on Google Earth Outreach can be found at http://earth.google.co.uk/outreach. The website includes tutorials, case studies, a KML showcase and other online resources.

Media inquiries: please contact Jonathan Rich on 347-262-9115 or email him.

Notes to editors:  WaterAid is a leading independent non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to working with people in the world's poorest countries to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. Founded in 1981, it operates in 17 countries throughout Africa, Asia and the Pacific region and has helped more than 11 million people gain access to safe water through low-cost, sustainable projects that can be locally managed and maintained. With a goal of expanding operations to assist 1.3 million people to gain access to safe water and 1.5 million people to gain sanitation this fiscal year, it has earned a worldwide reputation for its effectiveness and leadership and garnered numerous national and international awards, including the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize.