4.13.2006
Google Earth
Did Osama bin Ladin buy a soda with three quarters, or with two quarters two dimes and a nickel? The U.S. military could tell you with their satellite surveillance. Many civilians wish they had this great power. They wish they could just call up live feed images taken from high-altitude geosynchronous satellites. Unfortunately technology/funding is not there yet.
If you are anything but a general, you will have to settle with the next best thing...Google. Google now provides two options for viewers to see a hybrid mix of aerial and satellite photography of most of the North-West Hemisphere. Either option has its merits. It's uses include finding parking lots, seeing the intersections of a map and being able to recognize them, and just general fun seeing what your house looks like from space.
1) Google Earth
A downloadable application, this program lets you zoom and pan the satellite imagery to your hearts content. It has a feature which lets you see mountain and other major features in 3d. It also allows you to trace your path to work/school to tell you how far you really go (driving on the road). It can even display 3d models of building in many of the major cities in the U.S. unfortunately this requires a download and a decent graphics card.
http://earth.google.com
2) Google Maps
This is a basically a watered down Google Earth mixed with a MapQuest like service. To see the aerial photography you must click "Satellite." The great thing is that this will run on almost all computers with the internet. It is a fun thing to show your friends. It's quick and allows you to search for an address.
http://maps.google.com
What is this below?
If you are anything but a general, you will have to settle with the next best thing...Google. Google now provides two options for viewers to see a hybrid mix of aerial and satellite photography of most of the North-West Hemisphere. Either option has its merits. It's uses include finding parking lots, seeing the intersections of a map and being able to recognize them, and just general fun seeing what your house looks like from space.
1) Google Earth
A downloadable application, this program lets you zoom and pan the satellite imagery to your hearts content. It has a feature which lets you see mountain and other major features in 3d. It also allows you to trace your path to work/school to tell you how far you really go (driving on the road). It can even display 3d models of building in many of the major cities in the U.S. unfortunately this requires a download and a decent graphics card.
http://earth.google.com
2) Google Maps
This is a basically a watered down Google Earth mixed with a MapQuest like service. To see the aerial photography you must click "Satellite." The great thing is that this will run on almost all computers with the internet. It is a fun thing to show your friends. It's quick and allows you to search for an address.
http://maps.google.com
What is this below?
