Google said on May 31 that 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.
Google Earth director John Hanke said: "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." Google said it will incorporate Panoramio content, technology, users, and developers into its online geography products.
Google said that the purchase is pending and it is too early to say precisely how Panoramio will be integrated into the company.