Google Earth Basics - GE Version 3

"Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google Search to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips." - from the Google Earth Home Page

[NOTE: this version of the basics is for GE 3, the version released for 2006. There is now a GE 4, and a version of this page with some fresher new basics stories based on GE 4 available here.]

If you are new to Google Earth (GE), there are some useful stories written in the Google Earth Blog during the last year which might give a beginner some insights about this exciting program. If you are looking for more advanced things, try going to the GEB home page and use the categories or Search option for things like: GPS, Geocaching, GIS, network links, image overlays, and more. On this page are links to stories which might help guide you to learning enough about Google Earth that you will soon be known as an expert.

  1. Visual Guides to GE User interface - GE3 - GE4
  2. Important Basics - how to move your view: zoom, pan, tilt
  3. 3D Buildings - what they are, how to turn them on
    1. Google SketchUp - a free 3D modeling program for Google Earth
  4. Overview Map - a nice feature to help you locate yourself
  5. Setting up GE Options - recommended settings for GE
  6. Play Tour mode - learn how to use it
  7. Layers, and the GE Community Layer - a huge resource of community information in an instant
  8. Using GE Offline - no Internet connection
  9. GE Files, KML/KMZ - explanation of these file types
  10. GE Video Tutorials - Quicktime tutorials by Richard Treves

The official Google Earth Help has all the details on the features within Google Earth.

Here's some useful information from the Google Earth Community:

  1. Common Questions about GE
  2. Placemarks and Image Overlays
  3. National Geographic Stuff
  4. Areas in Hi-Resolution in GE
  5. Where do I start? (for GE and GE Community)

Come back often to Google Earth Blog (GEB). GEB brings you new information and GE Files every day. It's the best way to keep up with what's happening with Google Earth. For these and other stories which might give you important tips and ideas, check out the GEB Tips category. Also check out the Reference Links page for other important web resources.

Good luck, and have fun with Google Earth!


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