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 NAME AND DOWNLOAD LINK: Google Earth (beta) DESCRIPTION: 3-D Geographic Earth Viewer SIZE:10.07MB MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000/XP, 3D graphics card,minimum screen size of 1024x768 pixels, Broadband/Cable Internet COMMENT: "The idea is simple. It’s a globe that sits inside your PC. You point and zoom to anyplace on the planet that you want to explore. Satellite images and local facts zoom into view. Tap into Google search to show local points of interest and facts. Zoom to a specific address to check out an apartment or hotel. View driving directions and even fly along your route.".  Google adds a new level to their search capabilities with Google Earth. By using satellite images, maps and 3-D graphics you can travel the globe without leaving your chair. See the wonders of the world or your own neighborhood. Locate businesses, buildings, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, parks, stadiums, places of interest or explore the world's terrain.
Navigate using Google Earth's dashboard. Zoom in or out, tilt or rotate the view. Your mouse can also be used to navigate. Hold down the left button and move to rotate, hold down the right button and move or use the wheel to zoom. Detail the globe by adding mapping layers such as roads or terrain. Print images, add place markers to points of interest, or email your results.
Topographical features around the globe and buildings in 38 US cities can be viewed in 3D graphics by checking the buildings and terrain layers and using the tilt and rotate functions on your dashboard.
Type a location in the "Fly To" search, click on a result for a pop-up with the address, phone #, a more info link and directions. Double click and fly there on your 3-D globe. Search by street, zip, city, state, country or name. Search for businesses or directions from point to point. Use the play button for an automated tour from result to result.
Enhance Google Earth even more by mapping layers of information such as borders, roads, geographic features, airports, hospitals, schools, churches, parks, railroads, and more. Show banks and ATMs, bars, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and all types of retail. Add data like crime stats or census information. A unique icon will represent each feature.
Right click on a location and select "Save to My Places" to add it to the Places directory for quick return trip. Click on a place for a pop-up info balloon. Double click and fly there on your 3-D globe. Use the play button for an automated tour from site to site.
Google Earth is still in beta so some tweaking is probably needed. Search for support info at Google Earth Support Center. Google Earth's features are extensive, but with an upgrade to Google Earth Plus for $20 you can adds GPS device support, import spreadsheets, get drawing tools and better printing or with an upgrade to Google Earth Pro for $400 for professional and commercial use you get everything plus high pixel print options, movie making and enhanced data. Either way Google Earth is an incredible resource and a whole lot of fun. |
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