Surfers who use Google Earth can now view streaming video clips from a number of well-known landmarks and locales, including Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park and Colorado/Utah’s Dinosaur National Monument, thanks to Discovery Communications. The new feature represents the first time Google has pushed video onto Google Earth. There are currently 10 clips of US national parks available; over the coming six weeks, Discovery plans to increase this number to include 50 destinations such as the Roman Coliseum and the Great Wall of China. By 2007, video clips of some 100 locations will be available, and Discovery may include non-English language video in the future.

Video content is increasingly being picked by websites all over the world, due largely to the rapid adoption of broadband Internet service, allowing more users to access the content without having to test their patience waiting for it to download via a phone line or cable modem.

The video clips are usually a few minutes long, and they’re pulled from Discovery’s vast collection of almost 100,000 hours of footage, according to The Journal.

Users can view the clips by clicking on Discovery Globe logos attached to specific locations on a map, The Journal reports.

Google first launched the satellite-mapping service in 2005, and users already have the option of looking at images of various landmarks including gas stations and banks, according to The Journal.

John Hanke, Google Maps’ director, says the service is the latest effort in its plan to make Google Earth a “browser for the planet,” The Journal reports.

Hanke also noted that the arrangement between the two companies is not exclusive and that Google is still open to offering content from additional providers, according The Journal.

Each company’s potential revenue associated with the video service will not be shared, and Discovery says it plans to bring in cash by sending advertisements along with its video clips, and by offering extended video for a fee, The Journal reports.

via cio