Google buys photo-sharing site
2007-06-01 07:51
San Francisco - Google said on Thursday it is buying a Spanish photo-sharing website that lets people pin pictures to the internet search firm's online maps to show where they were taken.
Google and Panoramio have been allies for months, using the Spain-based company's technology to let photographers "geo-locate" pictures by linking them to points on Google Earth maps where they were created.
"I am pleased to tell you that we've agreed to purchase Panoramio," Google Earth director John Hanke said in a posting on the Mountain View, California-based internet giant's website.
"Those of you already using Google Earth have no doubt noticed Panoramio's striking images documenting settings from all over the world, like moonscapes in Croatia; dramatic sunsets in Australia, and innovative architecture in the United Arab Emirates."
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Google said it will incorporate Panoramio content, technology, users, and developers into its online geography products.
While the companies' technical teams will merge, the Panoramio facilities in Spain will remain in operation, according to Google.
Google said that the purchase is pending and it is too early to say precisely how Panoramio will be integrated into the company.
"Panoramio was a great fit with Google's technology, team and culture," Google said.
"Panoramio has been working with Google to incorporate Panoramio photos into Google Earth for some time. We believed a deeper relationship would add value to the Panoramio experience for our users."