Google Earth has ventured into new waters. Really, it got its feet wet. 

The 5.0 version of the software, which has been providing a high resolution, close up view of everything on the planet is now capable of giving a look deep into the planet’s oceans and seas.

One of the most interesting features about Google Earth 5.0 is that it provides a global map of the ocean floor. This map was developed by David Sandwell, a scientist with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

The new, updated feature of the Google Earth is called Google Ocean and it was launched on Monday. Web surfers who like virtual scuba diving can take a tour of the planet’s waters from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arctic Ocean and can venture into the Mariana Trench, the deepest place in the world at a depth of 36,201 feet. One can follow the path of the migrating sharks in Asia and see virtual expeditions of Jack Cousteau divers. Pretty cool…

Google also unveiled its interactive, 3-D map of Mars. You can virtually visit the Red Planet and take a trip over the Martian mountains, way higher that the Himalayas, or take a look at the planet’s surface through the eyes of NASA’s two rovers - Spirit and Opportunity - and also through the eyes of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Although Google won’t make much profit from the Google Ocean, the company’s moves to offer virtual access to the world maps, oceans, the sky and Mars are very smart. Google is practically establishing itself as the first choice of the current generation of students who use the Google Earth, Ocean, Sky and Mars as virtual atlases and encyclopedias. On the long run, the Google Earth and Maps will most likely become the main portal window to the real world and guess who will cash in?