A pair of German researchers are crediting Google Earth for enabling a new discovery into the hidden powers of cows.

The two zoologists used the Google mapping tool to study photos of some 300 herds of cattle around the world.

What they found was, in general, cows prefer to face north. Of the 8,510 cows observed on Google, some two thirds had aligned themselves in a direction facing magnetic north when grazing or resting.

Much of the credit for the discovery went to the use of Google's satellite images. Other animals, such as certain species of birds and most bees possess a similar trait which helps guide migration.

However, this discovery is believed to be the first such in large land mammals. The researchers also noted the phenomenon in roe deer.

"Amazingly, this ubiquitous phenomenon does not seem to have been noticed by herdsmen, ranchers, or hunters," the researchers wrote.

This is not the first time Google Earth has been employed by scientists. The satellite imaging application is also being used to observe climate change.

Other enterprising users have used the application to uncover military secrets, spy on China's navy and plan pool parties.