Google Earth reveals key military bases

The global satellite photo service provided by search engine Google reveals images of key military facilities in South Korea, raising security concerns.

Google Earth, the aerial map and photo service of the U.S. portal site, makes available images of key U.S. and Korean bases including Yongsan Garrison in Seoul and Camp Casey in Dongducheon.

Users can search, view and magnify those images and get detailed information through attached texts and linked internet sites

Geological positions of those facilities are also available through tools powered by a satellite-based global positioning system.

The pictures reveal Patriot missiles, fighters and hangars at a Korean air base in Suwon and a U.S. air base in Osan.

Also, pictures of the Yongsan area show not only military facilities but adjunctive buildings such as a school, a golf course and shops.

The free-of-charge Google Earth has been under fire for a series of image postings that can pose security threats.

Last month, images of major anti-aircraft artillery in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province were posted.

In September 2005, high-resolution pictures of Cheong Wa Dae, the Defense Ministry and air and naval bases were featured on the site. They were deleted following a protest by the Korean government.

The National Intelligence Service has recently requested the U.S. authorities to take measures curb the posting of sensitive facilities on Google, according to Seoul officials.

(davidpooh@heraldm.com)



By Jin Dae-woong