Google Earth

Sue Byun & Lisa Gillespie

What is Google Earth?

Google Earth is an downloadable application where you are able to view many places of the world. Using satelite imaging, you can grab, spin, tilt, and zoom to any place of your choosing. With the new Google Earth 4.3 you can fly anywhere on the globe and view 3D buildings, maps, and other layer features such as roads, street view and traffic.

History

Google Earth was originally called Earth Viewer. It was created by Keyhole, Inc., a company acquired by Google in 2004.

To Get Started

1. Start by opening any type of Web Browser that you have on your home computer.

2. Go to http://earth.google.com/

3. To make sure you are making the right choice, click on Product Tour to view the amazing options of Google Earth

4. Click on Downloads to view your options.

5. Google Earth is a FREE download application. You can also download Google Earth Pro for $400 a year or Google Earth Plus for $20 a year.

6. Now 'Explore, Search and Discover'

Advantages

Google Earth can take you on an adventure that you thought you would never get to go on. You can travel to all parts of the world exploring many unique places.

You can use Google Earth at home with friends and family, or use google earth in your classrooms with your students to explore around the world in a 3D perspective.

Disadvantages

When searching on Google Earth it is not in the present time. Which is good in a lot of cases because its nice to know that you are not being spied on. In some ways, Google Earth has been seen as a violation of privacy. Since you are able to search a home address in certain countries, strangers are able to view your home, vehicle, etc , and see the details of your personal life.

Google Earth in the Classroom?

1. With Google Earth, you can view many things in the classroom without having to take field trips, signing waivers, etc.

2. Students can view 3D images of geographic points of interest that you are studying in the classroom such as historical landmarks, famous buildings/formations in other countries (i.e Eifel Tower, Pyramids in Egypt, Mount Everest, Great Wall of China, etc.)

3. Google Earth can literally be used for every subject!

4. Not only is this a free download in your classroom, your students can download this for free at their home computer.

5. There are many lessons that can be viewed online to help you with your lesson plans throughout the school year. (see 'Application to Future Teaching' below)

Helpful Videos

Product Tour

http://earth.google.com/tour.html

*This site contains several youtube video clips that can help you learn about some of the different features of Google Earth.

Resources

Google Earth User Guide

http://earth.google.com/userguide/v4/

Google Earth tutorials

http://earth.google.com/userguide/v4/tutorials/index.html

Google Earth Help

http://earth.google.com/support/

Google Earth Community