Google Earth is a virtual globe program, allowing viewers to visualize data on top of displayed satellite images of the Earth’s surface. Launched in 2005 and released to the public in 2006, Google Earth fast became a household name hailed as a revolution for humanitarian development, much as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were several decades ago. According to MapAction, “There seem at present tobe two distinct groups of humanitarian practitioners: those who are already, albeit tentatively,exploiting Google Earth and related geospatial methods in their work,and those whowill be, as soon as they see their first demonstration of its potential.” (MapAction, 2008: 9)

As a geospatial program installed on the computer, Google Earth users have access to detailed imagery constantly downloaded, as different areas are panned or zoomed. It is possible to use Google Earth without an internet connection, but functionality is limited to low resolution satellite imagery, imagery cached on the computer from recent use, and locally saved KML (Keyhold Markup Language) files.

Google started the ‘Google Earth Outreach’ program in 2007 to help US and Europe-based non-profit organizations use Google Earth and Maps in their work. This program provides tutorials and case studies online, granting Google Earth Pro licenses to qualifying organizations interested in using Google Earth.

Using This Guide
There are currently several versions of Google Earth offered, ranging from a free Basic, to a Professional version available for US$400. This guide is designed for those who are using Google Earth Basic 4.2 for PC, and some notes may not apply to Plus/Pro or later free versions with improved features. It brings together detailed and reliable accounts of Google Earth features and issues as found across the internet. Sections I – IV are for the curious, reviewing program potential, pro’s and con’s, and providing an overview of how some organizations are starting to use it. Sections V – VII are for the convinced, including hints and tips, computer mapping concepts, and links to more information and data.

Download pdf A Rough Google Earth Guide