5 More Cool Things You Can Do With Google Earth
A Renewed Appreciation for Google Earth
At MUO, our enthusiasm for Google Earth is well-documented. Its appeal is undeniable, offering captivating Google Earth games and remarkable 3D visuals, as previously highlighted by Saikat.
The application also boasts a dynamic weather layer and an integrated flight simulator, enhancing its versatility.
I personally find myself repeatedly installing Google Earth on my computer, becoming engrossed in its features, and then setting it aside, only to rediscover its capabilities months later when a specific need arises.
Recent Discoveries and Ever-Expanding Functionality
A recent re-engagement with Google Earth, following the installation of all current updates, confirmed that the application continues to impress. The breadth of Google Earth’s functionality is substantial.
It’s a challenge to comprehensively cover all its features in a limited number of articles, and users frequently uncover new possibilities independently.
Five Notable Features of Google Earth
This article will detail five particularly interesting features discovered within Google Earth. These are especially useful for individuals engaged in various activities.
These activities include prospective homeowners, those planning relocation, adventurers requiring precise distance calculations, individuals wishing to share unique perspectives with friends, and enthusiasts of history or astronomy.
Does this diverse range of applications pique your interest? Let’s proceed to explore these features.
- Home Planning: Google Earth can assist in evaluating potential building sites.
- Relocation Research: The tool is valuable for scouting neighborhoods and assessing local amenities.
- Adventure Planning: Accurate distance measurements are readily available for trip planning.
- Sharing Perspectives: Impressive aerial views can be easily shared with others.
- Historical & Astronomical Exploration: Google Earth caters to those with interests in these fields.
Discovering the Globe with Google Earth
At its core, Google Earth is a platform for exploration. Whether you are charting a course through mountainous terrain, devising a kayaking trip along a winding river, or investigating distant galaxies, the functionalities detailed in this article will bring you closer to your desired destinations even before venturing outdoors.
Investigating History and Societal Development
A striking aspect of modern society is the accelerating rate of population increase. This growth is particularly evident when observed through Google Earth’s capabilities.
How does Google Earth visualize population changes? It utilizes a “historical imagery” feature, accessible via View -> Historical Imagery. Selecting this option reveals a slider in the upper left corner, displaying a date range extending from the present day back to the late 1990s.
This tool proves invaluable when examining the transformations within a community – not only population shifts but also the development of new structures, land cultivation, and other subtle changes often overlooked over time.
Adjust the time slider to the next available image, and witness a journey into the past – buildings vanish, and expansive fields give way to forests and shrubbery.
Significant changes are most noticeable near urban centers, particularly in suburban areas. Entire neighborhoods that currently exist are absent in older satellite imagery. New buildings, shops, and shopping centers disappear as you rewind through the years.
It’s remarkable to consider that you can pinpoint any location on Earth and, with Google Earth, travel back in time to observe its evolution.
Tracking Sunlight’s Path
Another compelling feature is the “Sun” tool, found under View -> Sun. This tool presents a slider in the upper left corner, allowing you to adjust the time of day rather than the date. As you move the slider, you can observe sunrises and sunsets unfold.
Observe how shadows gradually recede as the sun ascends above the horizon, illuminating the entire region.
What practical applications does this tool offer? Hunters or anglers might utilize it to determine sunrise and sunset times during specific seasons in their area. However, its potential extends far beyond these immediate uses.
Consider the angle of sunlight and where it initially strikes trees, valleys, and homes. Which side of a house receives morning sunlight? On which side does sunset occur?
Many individuals fail to account for these factors when building or purchasing a home, later questioning why they lack a sun-drenched kitchen illuminated by the morning rays.
If you desire a home that embraces sunlight in the morning and follows its fading glow in the evening, carefully analyze the information provided by this Google Earth tool!
Precise Distance Measurements
I enjoy hiking with my family in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, often carrying a backpack with water and snacks. Given that I hike with young children, it’s crucial to ensure the chosen trail isn’t excessively long.
Online maps provide general rulers for estimating distances, but nothing compares to the ability to trace your intended route and receive an accurate distance calculation. In Google Earth, this is achieved by navigating to Tools -> Ruler.
Once the crosshairs appear, click at the starting point of your route and then at regular intervals along the way. The path tool accurately follows your intended line of travel. This method allows you to account for curves, bends, and every detail of the path, displaying the total distance in your preferred units.
Sharing Aerial Perspectives
We’ve previously showcased the flight simulator feature, but consider the stunning views achievable by exploring some of the world’s most exotic locations.
As I mentioned, I am fond of the White Mountains, so I took a virtual flight around the areas where I’ve hiked and plan to hike. The views are breathtaking, even in this digital format.
When you encounter a particularly spectacular view that you wish to share with a friend, go to File -> Email -> Email Image, and you can instantly send a snapshot via email.
This “share-from-email” functionality is conveniently integrated within Google Earth. A similar feature, the “Record a Tour” tool, allows you to create a video recording of your exploration, enabling you to share virtual tours with friends and family.
Exploring the Cosmos
Finally, for astronomy enthusiasts or families with aspiring astronomers, click on View -> Explore -> Stars. I’ve previously discussed Google Mars, and you can also explore the Moon, but the “Sky” option is, in my opinion, the most impressive exploration tool.
This view allows you to look up at the sky within Google Earth, rather than down at the ground. It’s akin to virtual star-gazing. You can navigate the sky as you would on Earth, and double-clicking zooms you into the galaxies.
You can view actual NASA imagery of these regions of space, complete with accurate scientific names. It redefines the concept of star-gazing, and few backyard telescopes can provide this level of detail.
If you’re interested in exploring the world and beyond in unprecedented ways, experiment with these Google Earth tools. Share your thoughts and any other cool features you discover in the comments below.
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