Google Earth Fun!

[65GT]

I was fooling with Google Earth (free download, if you don't have it you're missing out!)...

http://kh.google.com/download/earth/index.html

Just like Mapquest, you can get directions from point A to point B. But there are some pretty cool differences. Instead of looking down at a map, you're looking down at satellite photos!

It also has a feature that you can tilt the camera angle, enable a 3d landscape (not perfect, but definitely similar to what you will see in person (at least ups and downs of hills, mountains, valleys, etc).

Now the cool part -- once you get your directions, you can FLY through your route. I plotted our trip through Sedona, up (nearly to the top) of Schnebly Hill Road (a real off-road adventure hauling a Globtrotter), and finished it up with an overlook view of the route.

I don't think there's a data file upload area here, but if you've got Google Earth and just want to see what one of these things looks like (with all the best settings for camera angle, speed, etc.,) send me an email and I'll send you back the data files along with instructions as how to set it up (2 out of 5 on a difficulty scale), and get it to play.

I thought it was real interesting to fly through downtown Sedona, then heading up the road passing the point where the last parking lot is and seeing it turn into a dirt road. Pretty cool stuff -- unbelievably wicked for free! Oh, the turns are a little violent so until you get used to it, you may want an air sickness bag nearby...

Oh, and while we're on neat software...

Disclaimer -- I truly believed Google stock would be a fad and DIDN'T buy any so this is NOT an endorsement of Google that I benefit from !

There's another Google program that solves a BIG problem everyone seems to have here... SPELL checking!! I type in my entire message, reach up, click on spell check and it does the entire box! It's also got an autofill feature (fills your name address etc. in forms when you want it to), a really great pop-up blocker and others.... It's the Google Toolbar...

http://toolbar.google.com/

Oh, and did I mention Google Desktop Search?! It's results page could use improvement and PC Mag gave the best desktop search to Yahoo Desktop, but I'm sticking with this one -- it's pretty cool...

http://desktop.google.com/

Damn -- there's a new version I don't have -- glad I checked!

Oh, and IF you're a forum member with at least 50 posts (might cut down on the requests I'm expecting (based on how fast the stickers went)) and would like a Gmail account (free 2.5gig (and growing) lifetime email account) I've got about 25 invites left. Fire away.

One last thing -- if any of this helps YOU out -- how about some Karma!? Give it to me Baby!!

It's 1am, I'm going to bed in a matter of minutes -- it's as helpful as I can be on a Tuesday morning...

[tmcdougald]

I Couldnt find the AS factory.

[65GT]

I entered the street address and it took me right there. Of course the resolution there sucks, but I verified what I thought I saw with a terraserver aerial photo. Google earth is based on satellite photos and well, when you get out in the middle of nowhere, the resolution goes to hell...

Now I'm not saying that Jackson Center, OH is the middle of nowhere -- it just hasn't been of enough interest to the satellite gods to get any closer than they have...

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[bredlo]

No Mac support - that sucks. I'll just have to wait to fly through my route... which is still better than switching to the dark side.

[65GT]

I should mention...

That if you're asking for an invite for the Gmail account -- I need an email address to send it to. Thanks!

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[ALANSD]

definitely one of the cooler apps I have used in awhile. I enjoyed looking at my old home where I grew up...not seen it in 30 yrs. I followed the streets over to my High School. Ahhh, a nostalgic moment.

[tinman7]

Thanks, it is great fun to check out the flying through a trip.