Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Tour with Google Earth

If you have not experimented with Google Earth, now is the opportune time to do so. This popular and free downloadable application uses satellite images to pinpoint almost any spot on the globe. Download 5.0 from here and take a tour to see its many features.

Type in any location in the "Fly to" box and Google Earth takes you right there! You can use the controls in the upper right to zoom in to a location, tilt the image and see parts of it in 3D! I have pinpointed the locations of the trip on my Google Earth and zoom (the slide bar on the right) in occasionally to take a mini tour. It lets you know what to expect before you go.

Paris is my favorite! It clearly shows the Eiffel Tower and other points. When I tilt the image (the slide bar at the top) the tower becomes 3D.

Tip to know: Not all locations on Google Earth are as clear to view as Paris. Most of the well known places are. Lesser known places aren't as distinct such as my house...which you might like to visit if you put in my address! (or yours!) Also note that the satellite images are not live, but have been taken over the course of several years and pieced together.

This is a tool to use for any travel...we'll check out the location of our hotels when we get them and see just how close we are to sites we want to see. This will especially help you in London when you want to plan your bus route.

A new feature of Google Earth 5.0 is that you can now explore the oceans by plunging beneath the surface and viewing 3D images of underwater terrain or view images of Mars and other star formations. Of course, we won't be going to either of those places, but it sure is fun to see!

To see how to combine Google Earth, YouTube, and education, see this video about World War Two Google Earth. It includes Omaha Beach in Normandy, France where we will go.

Type in Windsor Castle to see what was described in the posting above.

WARNING!! It is addictive...allow some time for fun!
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