How to use

By Shannon McLaughlin

MSTI 331

Getting Started: Overview-

Google Earth is a virtual interactive world map. It was produced by a company

called Keyhole, Inc. which was purchased by Google in 2004. The images are

taken from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS 3D globe.

Needed Items-

This program is accessible with 3 different licenses:

• Google Earth: free but limited functions

• Google Earth Plus (discontinued): included additional features

• Google Earth Pro ($400 per year), which is aimed for commercial use

Operating Requirements-

Google Earth is available on personal computers with Microsoft Windows (2000,

XP, Vista, MAC OS X 10.3.9 and above), Linux, and Free BSD. It is available as a

browser plugin for Firefox, Safari3, IE6 and IE7. Google Earth is also available on

the Apple iPhone.

Download

1. Enter http://earth.google.com/ into your address bar on the internet

2. Click the Google Earth download button

Your screen should now look like this…

3. Read the terms and conditions and if you agree, press the agree and

download button

4. After the download is complete your screen will look like this

5. Once you download Google Earth, you will also get an icon

as a shortcut on your background.

Touring the Interface:

The workspace-

Once you click on the Google Earth icon the page will look like this…

The toolbars-

On the left side of your Google Earth Screen you will see your toolbars.

The first set of toolbars is your “search” toolbars. You can fly to a location, find a

business or get directions. Each Search toolbar gives you an example to follow if

you need help.

For example if you wanted to see what the white house looks like right from your

own computer, in the “Fly to” search bar type the white house and Google

Earth will bring you right on top of the white house. It will also give a caption of a

picture along with the address, reviews and even its website.

At the top of the Google Earth page there is another small toolbar with square

icons.

The first square icon minimizes the left side toolbar, so the map takes up the

whole screen. The second icon allows you to add a place mark. Give that place

mark a name and a description and Google Earth will provide you with its

latitude and longitude. The third icon allows you to add a polygon to a location

if desired. The fourth allows you to add a path from one destination to another.

The fifth allows you to lay an image over another image. The sixth allows you to

record a tour of your chosen locations. The seventh shows historical imagery.

You are able to use a time slider to move between acquisition dates. The eighth

shows sunlight across the landscape. You are able to use a time slider to set the

time of day. The ninth icon you are able to switch between the Earth, sky and

Your second toolbar is you “places”

toolbar. A list of historical sightseeing

locations is given. You can double click

that place and the virtual map will

zoom in to that location. (Examples- the

Grand Canyon, Eiffel Tower, etc)

The last toolbar on the left is labeled

“layers.” This toolbar allows you to select

how detailed you want to search a

specific location. You can search down

to the traffic lights or even get the view

of if you were on the sidewalk at that

location.

other planets. You can measure distances and such with the tenth icon. Email

what you see with the eleventh icon; print with the twelfth then view other

Google maps with the final icon.

*If you do not see this toolbar, you are able to perform the same tasks using the

“File, Edit, View, Tools, Add, Help” bar at the top of your screen.

On the top left side of the Google Earth page you will see your final toolbar.

Working with files:

Opening and Accessing Files- If you wish to open something you have created in Google Earth in the past

click “File,” “Open” and find your file. This may include previous marked

placements, paths or favorite locations.

Creating and Saving New Files-

If you want to save something you have created or a location you like in

Google Earth, click “File,” “Save” and place it in a folder where you can locate

it in the future.

Closing Google Earth-

After you are finished using this program you are free to close out by clicking the

The two circles are much like a compass rose. The top is

north and if you click on any of the arrows on either of

the circles, the globe will rotate in that direction. The

more time you click, the more it will rotate. The vertical

bar allows you to zoom in or out of the map depending

on your choice.

red “X” in the top right corner. Be sure to save anything you want to use in the

future before closing out.

Google Earth Wrap Up:

This program has endless amounts of gadgets and tools. With the click of your

mouse you are able to see far beyond possible. Give it a try, you will be

addicted! Show your family and friends while you’re at it.

Great Job!