Google Earth is a virtual globe, map and geographic information program that was originally called Earth Viewer, and was created by Keyhole Inc, a company acquired by Google in 2004. It is available in three main formats, Google Earth, a free version, Google Plus and Google Earth Pro which costs around £250 a year, and is intended for commercial use. Another of the main features which have been recently added is Flight Simulator, whereby the user is in a simulated plane, which he or she can fly over any part of the Google Earth map. The Flight Simulator has two planes which you have the option of flying; SR-22 - Although relatively slow and with a low maximum altitude, the SR-22 is much easier to handle and much more preferred for beginners compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which has a much higher speed and maximum altitude than the Cirrus SR-22, it has the ability to fly at speeds of almost 1,100 miles per hour,

The Flight Simulator has been criticised, however, as critics have pointed out that it could be used as training for terrorists. However, these critics are in the minority, and it is generally seen as a useful and interesting part of the software. There are also many options, layers and features that can be used or turned on and off, which greatly increase the power of the software; for example, the ability to see the sun, and tell what time it is in a certain part of the world is extremely useful.