Lately I have been discovering how awesome Google Earth's iPad app is. To anyone who I have said that it is limiting compared to the desktop application, I want to tell you I was wrong.
Not only is the app a great feature when using maps and geography in the classroom with fluid navigation (iPad's multi-touch makes a huge difference) as well as incorporating your own Google Maps collections, but it offers most of the same great features your desktop version offers accessible at your finger tips.
Indeed, the layers menu only gives you seven choices of data-layers (or an overlay of visual data) - places, businesses, roads, etc. However, the cool thing I have recently discovered is that you have access to Google Earth's online Gallery. The Gallery has hundreds of imagery and data-layers that you can add to your Google Earth experience. From real-time earth quakes to Rumsey Historical Maps to mountain tours. Visit the
Google Earth Gallery.
Here's how it works on iPad:
Locate the Options icon in the upper menu bar. In the drop down menu you will notice access to Google Earth Gallery.
This will take you to the online gallery (while in the app) where you can find hundreds of data-layers with which you can add to your own earth view. If you find a gallery you are interested in, click "View now"and it will automatically add it to your earth view.
Keep in mind this is a temporary view. Once you exit out of the app, your view goes to the original settings. If you need to clear your earth view of any unwanted data layers, simply click on your Options and select "Clear Map". Below is the David Rumsey historical maps layer showing a contextual popup bubble of a 1733 map.
If I click on the map, an overlay is displayed on my Google Earth app.
Below demonstrates a view of real-time earthquakes around the globe.
As mentioned previously, when you exit the Google Earth app, your chosen data-layers are cleared. You can also, start fresh and clear your view by selecting Options and "Clear Map".
So, imaging when using your iPad in the classroom being able to display dynamic views of various locations on our planet with enriched layers of data and embedded information making any type of geographical lesson (in any subject) visually engaging, making student meaning and understanding much more clear and exciting.
