Virtual dives created with 50,000 photographs

Virtual dives created with 50,000 photographs It has already infiltrated the four corners of the globe with its cameras, meticulously building up an online archive of street-level photography. However, not content with documenting virtually every inch of the planet's landmass, Google is preparing to take its Earth feature to new depths when it ventures into the underwater world.
Soon, users will be able to 'swim' around Australia's Great Barrier Reef from the comfort of their own home - simply by going online.
Specialist divers spent months capturing thousands of 360-degree underwater panoramas of the beauty spot.
They have now stitched 50,000 photographs together to create the Catlin Seaview Survey, a sub-aquatic version of Google Street View.
The groundbreaking project will allow users to go on a virtual dive of up to 100 metres while surrounded by stunning scenery and beautiful ocean life.
Initially, users will be able to view the reef on the Catlin Seaview Survey map but, in the future, the whole project is to be integrated into Google Earth by the internet giant's Panoramio tool - giving users a 360-degree view of the World Heritage Site.
It is part of the first comprehensive study to document and reveal the composition and health of coral reefs on the Great Barrier Reef.
Scientists hope any data gathered from the project will strengthen the understanding of how climate and other environmental changes are affecting eco-sytems like the Great Barrier Reef.
Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, from the Global Change institute at The University of Queensland, believes the visual nature of the project will bridge the gap behind scientific knowledge and public awareness.
He said: 'The Catlin Seaview Survey comprises a series of studies which will reveal to the public one of the last frontiers on Earth: the oceans.'For the first time in history, we have the technology available to broadcast the findings and expedition through Google.
'Millions of people will be able to experience the life, the science and the magic that exists under the surface of our oceans. This project is very exciting.'
Over the coming years the Survey - carried out by Underwater Earth - intends to expand globally to reveal the oceans in regions of importance all over the world.