Google opens satellite images, tools, to study deforestation

With the advent of commercial satellite imaging, it has become possible to track developments that were once exclusively the domain of space and spy agencies. These efforts, however, have required people to examine the images. Google has now cooperated with some researchers to produce an algorithm that will scan consecutive images of forests in order to detect areas that are being cut. Right now, it's still testing the system, but it plans on providing free access to the software for researchers who are interested in studying forests, and governments that are trying to manage them.

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