Google Earth Basics

"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

If you are new to Google Earth (GE), there are some useful stories written in the Google Earth Blog which might give a beginner, or even an experienced user, 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. Important Basics - how to move your view: zoom, pan, tilt
  2. About Google Earth Imagery
  3. Visual Guides to GE User interface
  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. Google Earth Flight Simulator Tips - all you need to know to use Google Earth's Flight Simulator
  8. Google Earth Layers
  9. 3D Buildings Layer -
    1. Google SketchUp - a free 3D modeling program for Google Earth
  10. Ten Easy Steps to Learning about a Place with GE
  11. Using GE Offline - no Internet connection
  12. GE Files, KML/KMZ - explanation of these file types
  13. Navigation Tricks with GE
  14. Short Video Tutorials on GE Basics - by Googler John Gardiner
  15. GE Video Tutorials (based on GE Version 3) - Quicktime tutorials by Richard Treves

The official Google Earth User Guide 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!

[NOTE: If you are still using GE 3 - you may want to view this version of the Basics page.]


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