Google Earth

[Dave Mac]

Wondering how many people are using google Earth? http://earth.google.com/
This is an amazing (free) program. The new version has a "Sky" view added. This switches from viewing the earth to viewing the sky and star/planets above. Really pretty neat.
I have been trying to figure out how to send links (KML) files here but have been unable to attche them in the forum messages. With Google earth we could be viewing images of camping areas shared by other users. These Google Earth files (KML) can be sent through Email and another user of Google earth can open the file and see the area marked. IT's pretty neat all in all. SO far all I can see is that I can post an immage I have viewed on Google earth. Heres one:



Lake Casitas!
With Google Earth you can tilt the view and view from other directions.



I was hoping to find a way to share places I have been on the forum using Google Earth Links. Any other useres out there?
Dave

[Gina D.]

Can't help you with the links, but yes, I have used it to scope out campgrounds before going to one I have never been to before.

It's a reasonable tool, but you have to keep in mind the time of year the image is done. It often isn't the "same" when you actually get there.

[CD Smith]

I use Google Earth to validate the location of destinations I choose from MS Streets and Trips. MS S&T has so many campgrounds mislocated, it is nice to have something to make sure I now exactly where they are before I drive there.

It does have the KOA near Reno, NV in the wrong place.

[Dave Mac]

Here's my favorite Boondocking with a capital "B" spot. An of highway vehical road leads past "Jackass Medow" campground by Florance Lake up in the Sierras up Kiaser Pass. I camped here a couple times in tents only as I have not had my egg long enough to attempt this trek.
Camped at the bend in the river under this huge clif.




Dave

[Palmer M]

you have to keep in mind the time of year the image is done. It often isn't the "same" when you actually get there.

I love Google Earth. Be sure to check out 3D buildings in most urban areas.
Some of the photos are very recent, and they are constantly updating.

To give you an idea, look at Hong Kong Disneyland. Currently on GE it is
a big construction site, but the park actually opened last September.

When I look at my house on GE, I can clearly see a scar down the middle of
the yard where the city buried new sewerage lines, but that work was done in
the winter of '02, and the lawn has long since erased it.

I understand you can subscribe for extra $$$ and have more recent and/or
real time images, but for me the free version is outstanding no matter if some images
are a couple years old!

P

[Greg A]

My house was a pile of framing lumber and that would be about 4 years ago....

[Gina D.]

They do updates, but I don't know how often.

When it first came out, I looked at my Dads apartment building. His car was in its proper space.

He died in 1997.

It was gone on my last curiosity check a couple months ago.

[Greg A]

Are we sure that Google really didn't invent a Time Machine and are not telling anyone?...........

[Maureen M.]

Have you checked out Google Universe? In the latest version of Google Earth, you can turn your viewpoint around toward the sky to explore outer space. It's very cool. Here's a video clip about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbiQBeDPT5U

Maureen

[CliveAlive]

Another useful site is http://www.flashearth.com/ if you don't need 3D buildings and Fly-To-Location features.

It allows you to switch between different map providers. Interestingly, they vary in coverage and Google isn't always the best.