The Top 5 Google Earth Layers ,Info 2

3.17.2010

With MSN announcing their release of Virtual Earth 3D yesterday, it's apparent that they really are trying to catch up with Google in any way possible. Unfortunately for MSN, Google Earth, Google's application for viewing their map service, already has four versions released for PCs and one for Macs. In addition, it has an intriguing additional feature, known as 'layers'.

Layers overlay the terrain data downloaded from Google Maps with little tags similar to those found in Google Local, showing where related sites are located. Some layers are already built into Google Earth for mundane Earthly features like roads, hospitals, schools or restaurants, as well as the more exciting sights of golf courses, stadiums or volcanoes - depending on your perspective! You can add to these layers by downloading user-created content and installing it into Google Earth. Here, you'll find a run-down of some of the best user-created layers to enhance your Google Earth experience.


1. Lord of the Rings Filming Locations

Google Earth can provide some fantastic film location information. This layer has been created by a Lord of the Rings fan and shows the filming locations relating to the epic trilogy all over New Zealand. Want to see where Helms Deep is, or go for a swim in the real Rivendell River? Now you can! Download the layer to see more.

2. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Game Locations

Not only did the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series of video games provide wimps like myself with the means of getting some 'big air' or pulling off an airwalk or two without actually breaking any bones, they also provided a means by which to see exotic skating locales across the world. This layer points out where these locations are in real life. The piers of San Francisco, the schools of Southern California, the beaches of Rio and even the military presence of Roswell, New Mexico are documented.

3. Pyramids from around the world

Just in case we forgot there are pyramids outside of Egypt, this layer takes us on a trip to view pyramids all around the world. Among the pyramids featured are the Mesoamerican pyramids of Mexico, the Chinese Xi'an pyramids and the Star Pyramid of Polynesia. Of course, the Egyptian pyramids are present in this tour too!

4. Theme and Amusement Parks

This layer is truly fantastic; the creators have documented 405 theme parks with 226 zoos and a massive 728 roller coasters. What's more, you can take part in a competition to find and mark rollercoasters that you find in Google Earth at www.bozadventures.com. Some of the Theme Parks available for perusal in this layer include the famous Disney World in Orlando and Britain's very own Alton Towers.


















5. Football Stadiums

As an avid football fan, I used to spend quite a while searching for football stadiums dotted around the world on Google Earth. While Google Earth's default Stadium layer is adequate for well-known stadiums around the world, many people might be interested to find Rushden and Diamonds' or Cowdenbeath's miniscule stadiums. This layer adds tags for over 1500 football stadiums around the world, and really shows the power and reach of Google Earth as well as the commitment of some users to its cause.

You can download Google Earth from the Google Earth Homepage and you can find more Google Earth layers, locations and discussion of Google Earth at the Google Earth Community.

source : http://www.bigmouthmedia.com/live/articles/the-top-5-google-earth-layers.asp/3331/

Labels: Hi-Tech Info