Google Acquires Skybox Imaging To Bolster Maps Technologies
For mere mortals and smaller companies, $500 million is a lot of green. But for Google, a firm with a market capitalization exceeding $380 billion, investing $500 million acquiring Skybox Imaging is a logical move as it continues to grow, expand, and elevate the possibilities of its Maps technologies. It also works out well that Skybox is based in Mountain View, just like Google.
Skybox is a private firm that builds satellites, writes code, deploys data centers, and provides high resolution satellite imagery, along with high-definition video and analytics services. Having put together a talented team that's been pushing state-of-the-art imaging to new heights, the company felt now was a great time to merge with a company like Google, where there's virtually no ceiling to what can be accomplished.
Image Source: Skybox Imaging
"Skybox and Google share more than just a zip code. We both believe in making information (especially accurate geospatial information) accessible and useful. And to do this, we’re both willing to tackle problems head on — whether it’s building cars that drive themselves or designing our own satellites from scratch," Skybox said in a statement.
Barring any regulatory roadblocks, this acquisition should allow Google to flesh out its Maps service with aerial photos of remote locations that were previously unreachable. However, Google is also envisioning other users, including continually updated terrain.
"Skybox and Google share more than just a zip code. We both believe in making information (especially accurate geospatial information) accessible and useful. And to do this, we’re both willing to tackle problems head on — whether it’s building cars that drive themselves or designing our own satellites from scratch," Google said in a statement.
Skybox is a private firm that builds satellites, writes code, deploys data centers, and provides high resolution satellite imagery, along with high-definition video and analytics services. Having put together a talented team that's been pushing state-of-the-art imaging to new heights, the company felt now was a great time to merge with a company like Google, where there's virtually no ceiling to what can be accomplished.
Image Source: Skybox Imaging
"Skybox and Google share more than just a zip code. We both believe in making information (especially accurate geospatial information) accessible and useful. And to do this, we’re both willing to tackle problems head on — whether it’s building cars that drive themselves or designing our own satellites from scratch," Skybox said in a statement.
Barring any regulatory roadblocks, this acquisition should allow Google to flesh out its Maps service with aerial photos of remote locations that were previously unreachable. However, Google is also envisioning other users, including continually updated terrain.
"Skybox and Google share more than just a zip code. We both believe in making information (especially accurate geospatial information) accessible and useful. And to do this, we’re both willing to tackle problems head on — whether it’s building cars that drive themselves or designing our own satellites from scratch," Google said in a statement.
