Google Earth

[SierraVisions]

Just wondering how many of you use Google Earth to wander around the Sierra virtualy.
I've been playing with it for about a year now. I just downloaded the latest update of it and was totaly surprised at the improvement in the quality of the images for the Sierra. You can zoom in on landmarks now and it looks pretty close to real.

I use it to help in identifying peaks in my photos. It's a huge help. I think it would also be an excellent tool in planning trips and even composing possible pictures you may want to take on the trips.

Steven

[BSquared]

Heheh.... what an incredible time sink that piece of software is! I'm *constantly* looking up other people's trips, reliving my own, planning new ones, etc. etc. One thing that's kind of funny, though, is that (of course) only the topographic relief shows up as relief, and things like trees and buildings look like they're kind of painted onto the landscape. It's particularly funny to zoom up as close as the resolution will allow to the top of Whitney and then tilt the viewpoint: the Whitney Hut appears to be a smudge on the surface.

I do keep getting lost, though, I guess partly because most of the trails aren't visible most of the time.

[Shawn]

I've been using Google Earth for some time. It is great to put things in perspective and the latest beta has terrific tools. I particulalrly like the fact a JPG can be snapped at the push of a button and then marked up for use later. It's amazing the thing is free.

[SierraVisions]

One thing that's kind of funny, though, is that (of course) only the topographic relief shows up as relief, and things like tress and buildings look like they're kind of painted onto the landscape.
I do keep getting lost, though, I guess partly because most of the trails aren't visible most of the time.

They are making models now that you can download and have buildings in 3d too. I haven't tried that yet. Most of what I play around with is the mountains.
Yesterday I looking at some rock glaciers up Bishop Creek. I was amazed at how clear they show up. It's cool to see how the rock glaciers are continuations of the main glacier.
Steven

[ERIC]

I use it daily. But that's mainly because my career is in GIS.

[Baffman]

For those Google Earth lovers, check out this website.

http://www.googleearthhacks.com

Lots of goodies, including weather overlays, night/day, PCT route etc....

Baffman

[Baffman]

Sorry, after getting there click on "file downloads" on the left side.