Cost Estimation for Google Earth Image Storage

Understanding the Requirements

1. Identify the Scope of Photos:

   • Determine whether the focus is on satellite photos, street view photos, or user-uploaded images. For this exercise, we'll focus on satellite photos.

2. Frequency of Image Capture:

   • Establish how often images are captured. Assume annual captures since Google Earth launched in 2008.

3. Image Details:

   • Clarify the resolution and size of each image. Assume a standard photo size of 1000 x 1000 pixels, equating to 5 MB.

4. Geographical Coverage:

   • Confirm the total area to be covered, including both land and water, though primarily focusing on land for practical purposes.

5. Storage Duration:

   • Determine if images are stored indefinitely or for a specific duration. Assume indefinite storage for this calculation.

6. Cost Factors:

   • Consider the cost per GB of storage, taking into account potential discounts for bulk storage by large companies like Google.