In a post over at the Google Maps blog, the comprehensive canvasser of all things Planet Earth, details how you can now "explore and experience six of the ocean's most incredible living coral reefs" without having to "be a scuba diver — or even know how to swim." 

 

A few thoughts:

 

This is pretty much going to be one of the coolest time-wasters ever. Oh, excuse me, Boss, while I check out the coral reef at Maui's Molokini crater on my lunch hour and for a good portion of the afternoon, as well. You never know, I just might find an underwater treasure somewhere and finally get to bust out of this pl -...wait, did I just say that out loud?

 

At the same time, classrooms will eat this up. One place this most certainly will NOT waste time is biology class. Google Maps may not be the real thing, but for some kids, this is the closest they will ever get to seeing this stuff, as well as other parts of the world in general. And for that, I applaud Google Maps. 

 

I'm a little creeped out. Do I really want to live in a world where Google Maps can literally zoom in on every little crack and crevice of our planet, even if it's under the sea? I don't know. I'm inclined to say no. But then I think about the kids I talked about just now, who may never get to see those cracks and crevices for themselves. I truly hope the privilege of being able to create and/or access such technology isn't abused. (But who am I kidding? I'm sure it already is in some way.)

 

Have you checked out these new features on Google Maps?