If you have not downloaded Google Earth yet you are missing out on possibly the coolest, most useful bit of geographic exploring software ever. They’ve combined the Google Maps functionality with satellite and topographic data from their Keyhole acquisition to make the most compelling piece of software of its kind.
Here’s an example of some driving directions locally for me… from a mall to my favorite coffee shop (click for much larger version)
Nice. Now then, see that little “play” button under the directions? Click it. It’ll zoom down to the starting position, tilting the view down as though from an over-the-shoulder view, and start “driving” along the route.
With a complete topographic map — some areas with more detail than others, obviously — you can get some amazing views. Here’s part of the Grand Canyon from just above the river.
I’m sure you can see the value here. I almost feel sorry for the similar NASA World Wind project as in terms of utility to the average Joe, this thing kicks all kinds of poo out of NASA’s attempt.
I, for one, again welcome our Google overlords.
8 Responses to “Google Earth Causes Aneurysms”
Google Earth 3D
Por fin Google ha lanzado la beta de Google Earth. Lo llaman "a 3D interface to the Planet". El software antes conocido como Keyhole que costaba casi 300 $ pasa ahora a estar al alcance de todos en una versión gratuita (aunque sigue e...I hate you. I still haven’t gotten any work done today because of this. :p
[...] anent Link to Google Earth”>
Tuesday, June 28th, 2005 at 12:36 pm
Coldforged points out Google’s newest piece of free software, [...]Yeah, it’s great, if they actually have close enough images of your location. Otherwise it’s useless.
I used that back when it was still Keyhole’s software. Pretty cool. I orientated myself with the Las Vegas street plan prior to going there to prevent getting lost in a drunken state. It served me well.
I’ve been in the Colosseum in Rome. Now that’s an amazing place. I’d love to go back in time and sit in a sell-out Colosseum watching navy battles or gladiators knock eachother out.
Hiya,
Don’t forget, WW also has the topographic & Landsat7 data
GE has more of the “can I see my house” type imagery, but that’s because it was paid for.
If anything, it’s nice for us World Wind lot to be able to send the people who want to see their house somewhere, rather than say “sorry, it’s not possible”
There’s a thread on the WW forums about GE, here: http://forum.worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/index.php?showtopic=3861
WW and GE are great apps, and as far as I’m concerned, aren’t mutually exclusive – WW aims for a different group to GE – as one forum member said:
I’ll use Google if:
I’ll use WorldWind if:
Also, WW can do plenty of other things (as can GE of course). Infact….pretty soon there’ll be a comparison on the WW forums, which will be interesting to see.
For me, GE is great – I finally get nice imagery of where I live!
-TheBeansprout –WW forum moderator
I think that even if it doesn’t have great resolution of your area, it’s still a great tool. Go tour the world! If you find any cool stuff, submit it at Google Earth Hacks and share it with others.
I’ve just launched Global Explorer. It’s a community forum just for people using Google Earth.
If you want to learn more, head over to http://globalexplorer.sarginsons.net