Talk:Google Earth
From TechHelp
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[edit] To Add to Article
[edit] Add Polygon
Polygons can be used to highlight specific areas as opposed to specific locations on a map, layer or overlay. To create a polygon select the Polygon icon or click Add > Polygon'. With the polygon editing window is open, move the cursor over to one point of the area where you want to create the shape. Click and release the mouse button on each point to create straight edge polygon or click and drag to use Free Form mode.
[edit] Add Path
[edit] Add Image Overlay
[edit] Record a Tour
[edit] Why Google Earth?
Below are just a few reasons to look at Google Earth as a learning tool for student learning.
[edit] Spatial Learning
[edit] Geography
[edit] Data
Data, data, everywhere, not a dot to link. Google Earth brings a worldwide community to your students through the Google Earth Community
[edit] Authentic Learning Projects
Sharing data about local community locations, history, events and issues has become even easier with Google Earth. Working closely with local, regional, state or even federal government entities on analyzing an issue or developing solutions to a problem can bring learning to life.
[edit] Google Tour Sample
Below is an example of how to build a Google Tour (.kml file) for the exploration of the Erie Canal. Download the sample Erie Canal Elevation.
[edit] Create a Folder
Begin by creating a folder for your placemarks to be saved in. This will provide you with a place to keep your placemarks organized. To create a folder right click on My Places under the Places panel and select Add > Folder.
[edit] Add Placemarks
Click the yellow "thumbtack" to add a placemark. The placemark will appear in the center of your display in edit mode along with a properties window. Within the properties window you can add text, embed photos and videos, change the placemark icon, as well as alter how the placemark appears to views Add precise latitude and longitude coordinates for more accurate placement.
I use two online sites to find and use photos and videos, but you may use others depending upon availability.
- Save Place As
Saving your files is always a good idea. I suggest creating a folder on your computer of Google Earth files and saving your work there. It will appear within your My Places area in the Places panel, but a backup is always handy and great place to access the file to share with others without having to fire up GE.
To save your folder from GE, click File > Save > Save Place As and select your destination folder (I named my folder Google Earth Files). Click the Save button.
- Suggestions
- Start Small
- Don't over do it with the complexity of your files when starting out. As you work with more placemarks and files, your skills will improve and you will discover shortcuts and new features galore!
- Think Copyright
- Always consider whether you have rights to use the segments of text, images, photographs or videos you plan to embed within your placemarks. Many sites, like Flickr have licensing information available for photos. When in doubt, contact the author, artist, photographer, or videographer for permission to use for educational purposes. Sometimes it's just an email requesting permission, what's the worst they can say?
