Google Earth
This week's Computing Tip is an introduction to Google Earth.
Remember, if you have ideas for the Computing Tip of the Week, please send them to Pat Fellows.
Introduction
Google Earth is a tool provided by Google. As their web site states, "Explore, Search and Discover". This site allows you to see any place on the earth from above. The detail is amazing, and there are many different ways to use Google Earth. These shots are taken from satellites, but are not live. There are also some areas that are not yet mapped. Google Earth is available to both PC and Mac users.
Step 1
Go to the Google Earth web site Explore the web site to learn about the many tools and options available for using Google Earth. There is a link on the left navigation bar on the Google Earth web site titled Product Tour. This will take users through how to use the various tools in Google Earth. There are great videos showing how the tools work. If you are intrigued, which almost everyone is, then the next step is to download the software.
Step 2
Before one can use Google Earth, you must download the software. It is free. There is a download button on the Google Earth page. Click on the Download button. It is Green and on the right side of the page. you will be prompted to save the file or run it. Click on the Run button. This will download the installation file. Next click on Run to install the software. You will be prompted to accept their usage agreement, where to save the program, etc. Work through the wizard, and complete the install. Once that is done, Google Earth will open. The installation will also put a shortcut to Google Earth on your desktop.
Step 3
You are ready to Explore, Search and Discover. When the Google Earth software opens, there is a Search box with three tabs. I used the "Fly to" tab to check out a city and two addresses in the Pacific Northwest. The first thing I did was look at my sister's house in Vancouver, Washington. I was able to zoom in to see their cars parked in the driveway and the work that was being done to install brick walkways through their rather large backyard garden.
Another idea is to go some place in the world where you have never been. Look at the Eiffel Tower, or the Pyramids of Egypt. Google Earth can take you there.
The archive site for Computing Tip of the Week is: http://www.uwex.uwc.edu/outlook/tips/ .