Google Earth Research Contest

Links: A Million Photos, Wii Jogging, Transportation, Argentina Roads, KML Contest, Ryder Cup - Google Earth Blog - You'll see some interesting space content in recent Google Earth posts, including some about Mars in fact and fiction. I'll just concentrate on the post I've linked to, though. Here's the "space prize" bit:

KML Contest - Google is conducting a KML in Research contest to "spur innovation and creativity in science and engineering". I think this is a great idea. This is part of an educational outreach for science and engineering that also includes a Google Earth Conference to be held in Michigan on October 22nd and 23rd.

Here's an excerpt from the KML in Research Competition site:

Google is constantly looking for new ways to spur innovation and creativity in science and engineering. We are looking for the best examples of showing your work in Google Earth using KML. And we'll reward the brightest scientists, researchers, and students from all over the world. In addition to prizes, winning entries will be showcased on the Google Earth website and at our booth at the 2008 American Geophysical Union convention.

By the way, that link in the excerpt from Google actually goes to the main AGU site. I suspect that they're talking about the big AGU Fall meeting, which is full of interesting topics in space and Earth science fields.

Anyway, back to the contest. From the rules:

Prizes: The top five (5) entries in each category will receive a prize package that includes: an iPod Touch, a Garmin handheld GPS, and one Google messenger bag. Approximate retail value of each Grand Prize package is US $700. Up to ten (10) prizes will be awarded. Total prize value is US $7000. ... The names of the prize winners will be available at http://earth.google.com/kml_contest.html on or about December 15, 2008 for a period up to 30 days.