GoogleEarth - The Ultimate Map! (A Review)

This week I had my socks knocked off! What, after being in business for over 25 years, it is difficult to do. I came across a post on Slashdot about a new mapping application Google Earth called Google. At first my thought was that this was just another extension of the already cool Google Maps online. But then I discovered that it was downloadable client application. Humm. So I took the plunge. Then I lost over 4 hours of productivity for that day. (And I do not want to talk about how a lot since then.) And everyone I showed that day ended up gawking and drooling as well.GoogleEarth is a new application that jumps leaps and bounds over what we used to consider as mapping applications. GoogleEarth takes the geo topology data from satellites and turns it into a large application of mapping the earth. Not just pretty pictures! But the true mapping functionality layered over the pretty pictures. Because these screens can attest, the functionality of this application are incredible! Some of the outstanding features of GoogleEarth are: symbols can be added to the map with notes on localities.

Once you have different symbols, you can right click and select "Directions from this ..." then "Information for this ...", and get driving directions between two points. So, you have GoogleEarth drive from point A to point B with the "Play Tour" button. Then drool some more 'like GoogleEarth flies over the entire course.
Layers, Layers, Layers, and much more! Want to see all the street names? Just turn on the checkbox for "Roads". How about the local grocery store? Just click the check box "Grocery Stores" in the Layers window. Trolleys little 'shopping appear on the map. Just a small sample of what is avalable in the layers: boundaries of the city, postal code Boundaries, railways, water, coffee, shopping malls and much more! Want to see some buildings? GoogleEarth allows you to watch computer-generated buildings with their true shape and form for different cities. You should see Las Vegas!
Another great feature is the ability to drop the jaw of "Tilt" the prospect. You can change the views all the way up to the surface and then move in all directions to get a sense of how things are. I could go on for several thousands of words of all the features included in GoogleEarth! Oh, and did I mention that it's free?

There are several versions of the application, but the free version is the one that suits the needs of most individuals. But only for a minor cost $ 20, you can add support for GPS, importing spreadsheet, drawing the path, and annotations. There is also a $ 400 professional version includes the ability to import floor plans and use of related business functions. The art of software development in GoogleEarth is the innovation that the people of Google have introduced this technology and make it available to everyone on the Internet. Being able to go to find a position that you've never been before, can be of great comfort before going on your travels in the program. Or you can just do a little 'to virtual view, seeing in exotic locations. I spent over an hour just flying around Hong Kong! GoogleEarth has very easy to use interface. And the data sent from their server was much faster than I would have expected for the quality of the map that was presented. (I'm on DSL.) Keep in mind though that GoogleEarth is CPU Intensive! The faster the PC, the better. While GoogleEarth might work with dialup, I expect that the flow of data that have some long waits for zoomed in details.

You have been warned! When you download and start using GoogleEarth, be prepared to spend some 'time to explore. You will find yourself returning to it every chance you get, just to explore new areas. And do not forget to email me if you see the alien spacecraft at Area 51!

GoogleEarth can be found at: http://earth.google.com ......