Editing a Pathway in Google Earth - MLTI Minute

Right from the video blog of MLTI Minute.

I love Goole Earth.  I think it is an amazing application for the Science, Social Studies, History, Math, English, Art, etc classrooms.

If you have any questions or are interested in using Google Earth, please contact me.

Auschwitz on Google Earth

I found an old bookmark in my Evernote notebooks that started a huge rabbit trail today and I found myself in Google Earth and searching for content associated with the Auschwitz Consentration Camp.  Well, save the search.  Google Earth has a great display of Auschwitz in 3-D as current today; showing 3-D buildings.

Below is a quick video of my exploration of Google Earth's Auschwitz.

This feature is already on Google Earth.  Search for Oswiecim, Poland and follow the train tracks.  Or, better yet, here is a .kml file that will take you right there (simply download and open the file).

This just one example of thousands of great features that Google Earth offers.

Google Earth's Real-Time Cloud Cover

Just perusing the Google Earth blog this morning, discovering the real-time cloud cover layer they offer.  In looking for some material associated with Hurricane Sandy, I found when activating Google Earth's "Weather" layer you can view Earth's cloud cover in real-time, which is very handy for tracking hurricane progress.  Students will love seeing this!

Google Earth iPad App - More Than Meets the Eye

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.

Satellite imagery and 3D model of the cruise ship Costa Concordia

The Google Earth Blog (unofficial) featured today Satellite imagery and 3D model of the cruise ship Costa Concordia

Frank Taylor took DigitalGlobe's satellite shot of the Costa Condoria cruise liner that crashed in Italy last week, created an overlay in Google Earth and offers the download for your own Google Earth application.  He, also, offers a .kmz file (Google Earth file) of one of Paul van Dinther's 3-D models of the ship that can be viewed in your Google Earth application