With a few keystrokes and a click of the mouse, Google Earth satellite mapping system allows users to view aerial maps and locate specific addresses -- but since its debut last summer, the program has come under some scrutiny.

As programs such as Google Earth Plus and Google Earth Pro, which offer higher resolutions and 3-D images, become readily available for users, some are questioning the necessity of the information.

State College Police Sgt. Mark Argiro said he has not used or heard of the program but understands the possibility of a potential invasion of privacy.

"There is always a concern if someone has the capability to view any type of area," he said.

According to the Web site, earth.google.com, Google Earth is a free program that lets the user view pictures around the world and offers maps for regional searches. Satellites and aircraft took the images in the last three years, which are updated on a rolling basis.

John Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, a Web-based institute focused on defense, aerospace and national security issues, said in an e-mail message that there are various aspects of Google Earth that "render it unattractive to evil-doers."

"One big challenge is that the imagery has no date attached to it ... If one contemplates actual terrorist

plates actual terrorist attacks, they are normally against publicly accessible targets that do not require satellite imagery," he said.

Assistant professor of communications Martin Halstuk said advances in information technology have been a "tremendous boon" to every aspect of life, including science, law, medicine and sports.

"But new technology has also spawned alarming and unprecedented invasions of privacy," he said.

Matt Karlson (junior-advertising) said he downloaded the free program and particularly likes looking at landscapes and also searching for his own home.

He added that he thinks people would be interested in the newer versions of Google Earth, but said he does not think that those programs are necessary.

"There should be some sort of restriction people can put on their homes if they want," he said. "They should be able to have the option to have their houses and personal property blocked off from users."

Lisa Friedman (sophomore-psychology) said she does not have the program downloaded on her computer but does not have a problem with Google Earth.

"I don't think it's a big deal ... The information that is available is not that personal," she said.

Amanda Kameny (sophomore-elementary education) uses the program to look up her home and said she agrees that it is not yet an invasion of privacy, but given newer software, it "could easily become more intrusive."

Argiro said the surveillance cameras located on the corner of Calder Way and McAllister Alley and on Beaver Avenue at the intersections of Locust Lane and Hiester Street are there to monitor behavior. He said if positioned a certain way, the cameras are able to see more than what is visible from the street, such as inside a window. The police, however, do not use this capability.

"If the cameras are pointed to view a position not seen from the roadway, it is blacked out," he said. "People have an expectation of privacy, which should be respected."

Argiro said he is not concerned with the photographs and aerial maps that the program provides.

"Privacy will become an issue if they begin to produce software that allows people to zoom in on license plates," he said.

The Google Corp. declined to comment other than to defer all questions to information on its Web site.