Google+Earth+Intro

// Related resources are listed at bottom of page. //
GOOGLE EARTH INTRODUCTION & RESOURCES

Getting to Know Google Earth
The following diagram describes some of the features available in the main window of Google Earth :




 * 1) ====== ** Search panel ** - Use this to [|find places and directions] and [|manage search results]. [|Google Earth EC] may display additional tabs here. ======
 * 2) ====== ** 3D Viewer ** - View the globe and its terrain in this window. ======
 * 3) ====== ** Toolbar buttons ** - [|See below]. ======
 * 4) ** Navigation controls ** - Use these to zoom, look and move around ([|see below]).
 * 5) ** Layers panel ** - [|Use this to display points of interest].
 * 6) ** Places panel ** - Use this to [|locate, save, organize and revisit placemarks].
 * 7) ** Add Content ** - Click this to import exciting content from the [|KML Gallery]
 * 8) ** Status bar ** - View coordinate, elevation, imagery date and streaming status here.
 * 9) ** Overview map ** - Use this for an [|additional perspective] of the Earth.

**Toolbar Buttons Explained**

 * [[image:sidebar.png]] Conceal or the display the side bar || [[image:displaysunlight.png link="http://earth.google.com/userguide/v5/#sun"]][|Display sunlight] across the landscape ||
 * [[image:placemark.png]]Add a [|placemark for a location] || [[image:viewakymoometc.png]][|View the sky, moon and planets] ||
 * [[image:polygon.png align="left" link="http://earth.google.com/userguide/v5/ug_drawing.html"]][| Add a polygon] || [[image:measure.png link="http://earth.google.com/userguide/v5/ug_measuring.html"]][|Measure a distance or area size][[image:path.png link="http://earth.google.com/userguide/v5/ug_measuring.html"]] ||
 * [[image:path.png align="left" link="http://earth.google.com/userguide/v5/ug_drawing.html"]][|Add a path (line or lines)] || [[image:email.png]]Email a [|view] or [|image]. ||
 * [[image:imageoverlay.png]] Add an [|image overlay on the Earth] || [[image:print.png]]Print the current view of the Earth ||
 * [[image:recordatour.png]][| Record a tour] || [[image:showcurrentview.png]]Show the current view in Google Maps ||
 * [[image:displayhistoricalimagery.png]][| Display historical imagery] ||  ||

= A Few Great Tutorials = = =
 * Quick Tour - this is a self guided tour of what is covered above
 * Beginner Tutorials - several good video tutorials here

= = = = = = = = = = = = = Five Cool, Easy Things You Can Do in Google Earth = = = > Search button
 * 1) ** View an image of your home, school or any place on Earth ** - Click // Fly To //. [|Enter the location in the input box] and click the // Search // button. In the search results (Places panel), double click the location. Google Earth flies you to this location.
 * 1) ** Tour the world ** - In the Places panel, open the // Learn and Explore // folder and double click // Explore //.
 * 2) ** Get driving directions from one place to another and fly (follow) the route ** - See [|Getting Directions] and [|Touring the Route].
 * 3) ** View other cool locations and features created by other Google Earth users ** - In the Layers panel, check // Community Showcase //. Interesting placemarks and other features appear in the 3D viewer. Double click these points of interest to view and explore. See [|Using Points of Interest (POIs)] for more information.
 * 4) ** View 3D terrain of a place ** - This is more fun with hilly or mountainous terrain, such as the Grand Canyon. Go to a location (see [|number 1]). When the view shows the location, use the zoom slider to tilt the terrain. See [|Using the Navigational Controls] and [|Tilting and Viewing Hilly Terrain] for more information.

= Related Resource List for Teachers: =
 * [[file:google_earth_user_guide_v5andlater.pdf]] This is the complete **Google Earth User Guide** for version 5 and later - **download a copy for your files.**
 * Google Earth for Educators - a site to share, connect & learn
 * 24 Interesting Ways to Use Google Earth in the Classroom - a slide show of ideas
 * Great Data for (Using) with Google Earth - use the CIA Fact Book amongst other things to obtain data to use with your classes.
 * Google Earth Lit (Literature) Trips - more and more is being added here so stop back often
 * NCSS 2010 Session Three – Using Google Earth & Children’s Lit to Teach Geography blog article with Lesson Plans
 * Google Earth Lessons
 * Samples of Other Things You Can See and Do in Google Earth - be sure to choose "Open in Google Earth"
 * More good stuff here, including .kml files
 * Google Maps - Not as complex as Google Earth. Use this web--based app to get directions with maps included. Search for an address and view it in "street view." Click on the arrows or move the little "peg man" around on the map to move up and down the street.