WELCOME TO GOOGLE EARTH

What is it?
Google Earth is a virtual globe and map that lists geographical information about our world.  This application maps the Earth by using images obtained from satellite and arial photography.  It combines these images with sophisticated 3D technology to create a virtual world, in which users can explore.  


Before We Start
You have to download and install the free software.  

1. Download the free software from: http://www.google.com/earth/download/ge/agree.html

2. Follow the instructions to install the software onto your computer.

Tutorial
There are many different tools within Google Earth.  For the purposes of this tutorial, only the basic tools will be highlighted.  
TOOLS

Search This is the main navigation tool you will want to use in Google Earth.  It is located in the top left hand corner of your screen.  It’s labelled “SEARCH”.  In the search mode you can locate a specific location by it’s name (if it is a monument/company) or address.  Google Maps will then simulate a flying experience from outer space to the destination you entered.	*
Layers This is a great tool that allows you to determine how much detail your search results to contain.  Layers can add borders and labels, 3D buildings, a 360° view of a city, weather, roads, oceans etc.  The amount of detail in layers is quite extensive.	*
Placemark This icon is found on the top of the page in the central tool bar.  The yellow thumb tack allows you to mark a location on Google Earth, so you or someone else can easily find that specific location another time.	*
Record a Tour You can record your own tour by specifying routes from origins to destinations and share it with people.	*

The above are just some of the tools available for you to use.  I’ll let you take your time to explore the site for yourself.











Resources
Below are some helpful links that explore Google Earth in greater detail.  

Digitizor Digitizor is a website that highlights the other options of Google Earth.  

You will learn that Google Earth expands to view Oceans, Historical

Imagery (Time Machine), and even Tour the Planet Mars.

Gadget Advisor Gadget Advisor is a short article that talks about how Google Earth helped  

digitally rebuild the city of Rome.  It’s truly an amazing accomplishment that Google Earth has coined “Time Machine”.  

Google User Guide    This is an effective resource that comes straight from Google.  It’s their

user guide which explains the ins and the outs of Google Earth.  

MercyCorps MercyCorps provides a highly detailed guide for Google Maps.  Learn

everything from a breakdown of tools, to printing maps, to dealing with

spatial information.  This is an excellent source of information.