Google maps the sea floor

First you could zoom in to your neighbour's backyard. Now internet users can take the plunge underwater and navigate the sea floor and famous shipwrecks in New Zealand waters.

Google Earth's new Explore the Ocean feature being launched today allows users to zoom in and "dive beneath" to view the Poor Knights, dive sites such as the Rainbow Warrior and the frigate Wellington, and gain information on wrecks such as the Wahine.

The 3D seafloor also allows users to examine underwater volcanoes, read about nearby wrecks and contribute photos and videos of their favourite surf spots.

Professor John Montgomery, director of the South Pacific Centre for Marine Science at Auckland University, said marine research would also benefit from the launch. "People will be able to see what's there, why it's unique, and how and why it's changing.

"It also highlights how humans affect and depend upon the oceans. People in New Zealand and around the world will be able to get a better feel for the plight of our oceans, and be inspired to find out more."

The centre was excited by the prospect of using Google Earth. Rapidly developing technologies would enable scientists to show the "amazing migrations" and navigational abilities of seabirds, and long- distance ocean travellers such as tuna, billfish, sharks and whales.

The new version of Google Earth also introduces Mars 3D.