Google Signing A Deal With Skybox Imaging?

TechCrunch on Friday cited three different sources that reported a deal between Google GOOG and Skybox Imaging "is happening" and had an estimated price tag of $1 billion.

Skybox Imaging is a firm specializing in using satellite imagery to provide high-fidelity imagery and infinite analytic information to empower global businesses to make better decision. Google could be interested in the firm to be a force behind Google's mapping and B2B service.

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Utilizing Skyline Imaging's photo and video features, Google can have its own primary source of data for Google Maps, that would be updated regularly, providing more accurate and reliable images for customers. It could also potentially expand into more customer-centered products and services.

Google's "Earth Enterprise" is a B2B business division that provides mapping data for large organizations, institutions and businesses. This service could be accelerated with the use of digital satellite imaging and video as a way of providing businesses a view from above to get ahead.

Google shares were trading up just over one percent to $550.87 at last check.