Try this trick

I have a program called print shop on my computer, and I have developed a trick that may help some people in their research. I am sure that many photo manipulation programs will do the same thing.

What I do is start with a saved satellite image from one of the popular sites. I save it as a jpeg and open it using the photo program. Make it fill a blank sheet.

Next, if you have a site with old landowner maps of your area, save the same area as a jpeg. Open this on the same page, it should be on top of the sat photo. Take the second photo into the manipulation software and find the place where you can adjust the transparency of the image, and make it barely visible. save the pic as such. when you go back to your project sheet you should be able to see through the landowner map and see the sat image. Adjust for size and line up major roadways. The old homes and farms listed on the landowner map are now on satellite with modern structures and roads. These old atlases are stunningly accurate.

I hope I explained this OK. It really does work well.

HH,
HJ

[EPC Guy]

Thanks for the tip...makes perfect sense and I'll be trying it!

[JCWhite]

A great research tip. Thanx for posting.

[rip]

Thanks HJ ! I would try it but i have no decent photo programs.I was wondering is there such a thing as transparent copy paper and if it would be possible to print your 2'nd photo on that ? I been wondering how i could overlay some of my maps. I've seen software that will do it but they usualy cost an arm and a leg.

Hey rip,

If you want to try a free download, follow this link

Downloads - Transparent Windows 2.0 Freeware Software

It puts a slide on your top address bar, upper right corner. When you open a window, then open another one on top of it the slider adjusts the transparency of the top page. Let me know if it works well. I put it on mine, I just have not played with it.

HH,
HJ

[rip]

Thank's HJ,I just cheaked it out and will be downloading shortly !

[Orthosophy]

You should be able to download google earth (here), with maps (satellite images) anywhere in the world for free. Then you wouldn't have to rely on a web page. as for the overlay, any office supply store should have transparency sheets, like they use for school overhead projectors. You just need to ensure they're laser printer safe, or they'll melt to the fuser and cost you a quick wad of scratch.

[Orthosophy]

I forgot to add: google earth has the option to add an overlay to the map for you as long as you have the map somewhere on you computer or the internet. It also doesn't have the maps on your computer, technically speaking, i think.

[gordiesgirl]

Great research tip. thanks

[exnavyguy]

Great Tip! I am going to have to try this one. THanks much for the idea.