I used my Gallery Field Trip map from Google Maps to view my trip in better detail. To do this, I went to Google Maps and opened my Trip map. Next I downloaded the KML version of my map so I could open it in Google Earth. Then I opened it and it took me right there.
"What in the world is a KML file?" Well, KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language, and KML is a language used for expressing geographic annotation and visualization on internet based, 2D maps, and 3D Earth browsers, just like Google Earth. In fact KML was originally made for use by Google Earth.
"What's the difference? What's the point?" Well for one thing, there are a lot more options in Google Earth. "That just seems more confusing." No, it actually makes things easier to understand. For instance, the 3D buildings layer can be turned on and you can rotate the map down to a horizontal view so you can see the 3D building and recognize it as a landmark. Not all buildings are in 3D, but you can get quite a few to pop up. Also, we have the option to turn roads, place markers, borders and labels, oceans, and the weather on and off. Yeah, the weather! You can check out the temperature and cloud coverage right on the map so you can plan on what to pack for your trip.
So next time you plan a trip to a place you've never been, don't just rely on directions from Google Maps, take it one step further and import your map's KML into Google Earth for more in-depth viewing.
Post a Comment