A Google Earth Guide: 7 Tips for Beginners
I didn’t use Google Earth much before I came to work for GeoDesign. Like most people, I was a regular Google Maps user, but hadn’t spent much time with the Earth application. I’ve learned really quickly that it can be an amazing tool, whether you’re an A/E/C professional or just want to take a stroll down the streets of Italy (sans expensive airfare).
This is mainly a beginner’s primer that assumes some basic knowledge about the program – if you’re an advanced user, this isn’t really for you.
If you’re just starting out and have a few questions, read on:
Google Earth Pro (GEP) is free
Download the Pro version if you haven’t already. Pro comes with the option to save and print high resolution aerials. Get it here. (Don’t know what version you have? Easiest way to tell: If your program icon is blue, you don’t have it yet. GEP is gray.)
Stop the world from tilting
I love GEP, but one of its default settings is to tilt as you zoom in, which can be incredibly frustrating if you want to look at flat aerials. You can change it by going to Tools Options Navigation Tab Select: “Do not automatically tilt while zooming.”
You’ll also notice there are other settings to play with here. I adjusted my Fly-To Speed a bit, since GEP’s default is a little slow.
Time Travel
Technically labeled “show historical imagery,” this button lets you look at older aerials.
3D Buildings
With this feature, you can get a more realistic look at cityscapes than you would with flat aerials. It’s accessible in the Layers window on the lower left, along with all kinds of other items you can add to and remove from your GEP experience.
I usually leave this setting off – 3D Buildings will obscure other layer items and your own placemarks from the right angle. So while it’s a fun feature, it can literally get in your way. Use sparingly.
Parcel Data
GEP can search by Assessor Parcel Number (APN), which is especially helpful if that’s all the information you have to locate a site. You can also select the “US Parcel Data” layer under “Earth Pro (US)” in your Layers menu on the lower left, which will immediately give you parcel data for areas currently in your window. Note: This feature will be removed on January 29th, 2016. Use it while you can!
Additionally, there’s a tool for Township and Range, which adds Public Land Survey System information to GEP.
Overlays
You have the option to import documents as overlays in GEP. Great for comparing current aerials to historical maps.
Select the “add image overlay” button on your toolbar, and navigate to your document. Once you’ve browsed to your overlay, you can adjust its altitude, transparency, location, size, and orientation. You can also save it as a file that you can send to other GEP users.
Customize Placemarks
For when a yellow pushpin just isn’t enough. GEP has a range of icons to help your placemark reflect its purpose (when you want to mark an infrastructure project or say, the volcano you stumbled across this morning). You can also upload your own.
To access this feature, click the “add placemark” button on your toolbar, then the button on the far right of the “Edit Placemark” dialogue box.
Have a favorite Google Earth feature that wasn’t mentioned here? Let us know on social media.
Article by: Sarah Kelley