Google Earth

[Red Raider]

I don't know how many of you have heard of Google Earth. It is a free program you can download and practically look down into your front yard. I have used it several times to scope out potential sites. It will show roads and building footprints that you may not be able to see from ground level. Some areas are clearer than others. I think the web site is earth.google.com.
Even if you don't use it for research, it's a blast to travel around the world and see different sites like down into an active volcano! Yes, I need a life.

[bigbillinsc]

i have been playing with google earth for a few months now. recently i have been using it as research tool. very cool and highly recomend it

[greenwenvy]

I too have been using Google Earth for quite some time now. Before I started to MD it was a fun way to take a quick "virtual trip" to some distant place. There is a site called Google sightseeing Google Sightseeing

Once I started MD though I started using it more for research. Just be aware that the data isn't real time and area images can sometimes be months or years old. I live in an area of high growth, and it shows when looking at Google Earth.

One very cool feature that I'm sure should be of LOTS OF USE for research are the historical maps Google Earth has. Historical maps you say? Yes, yes I do. In the default setup of Google Earth on the bottom left hand side you should see an area called "Layers". If all you have is a globe (Click View| Status Bar or ctrl+alt+B, and it will appear). Look for Featured Content, it's 3rd under Primary Database, and has a blue star icon. Click the plus icon next to it and 6 down should be Rumsey Historical Maps. Click the plus icon next to it and you'll see a list of historical maps that Google Earth will superimpose onto the globe. Some examples are World Globe 1790, North America 1733, United States 1833, New York (NYC) 1836 and so on. And just like with the regular Google Earth you can zoom in and out and all that good stuff.

They don't have anything really for my area, but still it's some good info to view right in the comfort of home.

Cheers

[DougsGraphics]

I've played with Google Earth for some time now. It's a great companion to my GPS and traveling. I haven't used it for treasure hunting yet, preferring instead to go to the topo maps which I can directly link to from my database using cooridnates. I can probably do that with Goolge Earth as well, but just haven't taken the time to do that. I love the way you can see 3D perspectives in Google Earth, though, and sort of fly around! Cool technology no matter how you slice it!

[dougdann]

It's been really usefully.
Definitely a great tool.


Doug

[Zman]

I agree, great tool. I myself have been using it.

[dooby]

I use Flash Earth, lets one switch between 8 different map sites, some are better than others.................

Flash Earth ...satellite and aerial imagery of the Earth in Flash

[Toadie]

I have been using Google Earth since 2005. I tried NASA Whirlwind but could never figure it out that much. Mainly use Google Earth to get a feel for the road curves before starting a trip as most close ups are blurry.

Terra Server is another mapping prog. I use a lot of. Too bad they don't integrate the best points of all the mapping and digital aerial photo programs out there into one...

James

[Nighthunter]

If you want to look at something very sad go to Borneo and Sumatra and view the millions of acres of Rain forest being leveled for Palm oil plantations.