Key design issues with visualising images using google earth

Using map visualisation tools and earth browsers to display images in a spatial context is integral to many photo-sharing sites and commercial image archives, yet little academic research has been conducted into the utility and functionality of such systems. In developing a prototype system to explore the use of Google Earth in the visualisation of news photos, we have elicited key design issues based on user evaluations of Panoramio and two custom-built spatio-temporal image browsing prototypes. We discuss the implications of these design issues, with particular emphasis on visualising news photos.