Google Earth is integrating Nano Banana, an image generation tool that may allow users to create custom visuals based on the platform's satellite, aerial, and 3D imagery.
Google says the tool can be used for education, such as visualizing historical sites. For example, it can depict the ruins of Pompeii as a 'hyper-realistic view,' instantly transforming them into a 'bustling, colorful street scene from the Roman Empire' as it might have appeared in 78 AD.
The tool can also generate custom infographics for specific locations. For the Statue of Liberty, it includes details like the monument's height and the materials used in its construction.
In real estate, Google says the tool can 'create professional real-estate plans' and help clients 'see what's possible.' An example shows an empty lot in Tokyo reimagined as a 'vibrant shopping and retail district with open spaces.'
For building projects, the tool can visualize designs 'before breaking ground,' such as a 'modern lakefront cabin built from sustainably sourced local materials.'
78 AD
The historical period for the Pompeii visualization example.
The Nano Banana integration is available on Google Earth web. Some sources refer to the tool as 'Nano Banana 2,' while others simply call it 'Nano Banana.'
Google has not specified whether the image generation feature works for any location or only high-profile areas.
Updates
Although the Nano Banana 2 feature was launched globally for Google Earth web users, Google has since withdrawn it due to policy violations and the sharing of prohibited images via screenshots. To combat misinformation, Google noted that all generated images include a SynthID digital watermark, though tests indicated this watermark could be bypassed if the image is photographed with a phone camera. Researchers have already demonstrated the tool's potential for misuse by generating deceptive imagery of conflict zones, nuclear facilities, and fabricated military attacks.
Google has temporarily removed the Nano Banana 2 feature from Google Earth web users globally following its launch due to policy violations and misuse involving the sharing of non-compliant screenshots. While Google stated that all generated images include a SynthID digital watermark, researchers demonstrated that this could be bypassed by photographing images with a phone camera or through AI-altered videos. The company is currently evaluating its re-offering after developing stronger security measures to prevent the creation of misinformation, such as fabricated scenes of conflict zones or political landmarks.
Google has temporarily withdrawn the Nano Banana 2 feature from Google Earth web users following the emergence of policy-violating screenshots, including misinformation such as fake refugee camps and military attacks. While Google confirmed that all generated images include a SynthID digital watermark to prevent misuse, tests showed this watermark could be bypassed if images are photographed with a phone camera. The company stated it is currently developing stronger safety measures before evaluating the possibility of re-offering the tool.
The Nano Banana 2 feature was launched globally for web users but was quickly withdrawn by Google due to policy violations involving the sharing of unauthorized screenshots. To combat misinformation, Google confirmed that all generated images include a SynthID digital watermark and remain invisible to other users in the main Google Earth experience. However, independent tests demonstrated that the watermark could be bypassed if the image is photographed with a phone camera or via certain AI-altered video processes.
Google has temporarily withdrawn the Nano Banana 2 feature from Google Earth web users following its global launch due to policy violations and the sharing of inappropriate screenshots. The company confirmed that while all generated images include a SynthID digital watermark and are not visible in the main Google Earth experience, the tool was removed to develop stronger safety measures. Independent researchers have already demonstrated the potential for misuse by generating deceptive imagery of conflict zones, such as a bombed hospital in Gaza and fake military attacks.
