Google Earth; Your Virtual Map Of The World
Google Earth has got to be one of the coolest, free “toys” that I’ve found on the internet! I can sit in front of the computer for hours and not realize it. Moving from one location to another, anywhere in the world I want to go. I’m constantly checking to see if I can find a friend’s house, or somewhere I’ve been on vacation before, or just looking for a place I’d like to go someday!
If you’re not familiar with Google Earth, it uses satellite imagery, maps, terrain and 3D buildings to put the worlds geographic information on your computer monitor. You start out with a global view of earth from outer space, yellow lines marking boundaries. You can then either search and zoom manually, using your mouse, or you can type in a town name or address and automatically “fly to” that spot and zoom in on it. When you’ve found a location you think you’d like to return to in the future, you can just add a placemark, name it, and this area will be easy to find next time.
Wanna get an idea of what the terrain is like in Iraq? Just look on Google Earth. Want to check the elevations of that trail you hiked last year in the Appalachians? It’s on Google Earth. If you use your imagination, it can be like taking a vacation without leaving the comfort of home! (well…that may be pushing it a little). I’ve just found it fascinating to be able to jump from one side of the world to another in an instant. In most areas, you’re able to zoom in and easily make out homes and cars. I was very impressed with the resolution and quality of the images. (I think it’s neat to find busy airports and look for planes that have just taken off or are about to land).
This is a great learning tool for kids as well. My daughter and I will sit and look up places all around the world. Who needs a globe or a map anymore when you can go there on your computer!
Downloading and navigating Google Earth is pretty easy, although I know it has features that I’ve never used before. You can download from here:
Google Pack really has a ton of great software in addition to Google Earth, (FREE!)
Download it and check it out. I know you’ll have a ton of fun with it!
Chris
