Google Earth and Microsoft WorldWideTelescopeLaura WilsonReference LibrarianHenry Whittemore LibraryNovember 4, 2009reference@framingham.edu

What is Google Earth?Free* (!) software program Download from the internet at:http://earth.google.com/download-earth.htmlA “virtual globe” that allows users to explore countless different features , including :Urban and rural terrain3D image models of popular terrain and buildingsPlaces of interestPhotos and videos related to a specific locationHistorical imagery, stars, celestial bodies, underwater terrain, and much, much more!

How does it work?The software displays high-resolution aerial photos and satellite imagery of the Earth’s surfaceVarying degrees of detailMore popular areas have better quality imagesUnited States and Europe images tend to be more detailedImages range in currency3 months – 5 years ago (not live images)

InstallationGetting StartedAfter you have downloaded the software, a Google Earth icon will be installed on your desktop.Google Earth icon.Click me!

Starting your searchThis is your starting pointType address, location name, or latitude / longitude co-oridnates

Primary Results

Take a closer lookUse your mouse wheel to get a closer look

A neighborhood of San Juan

Layers Notice the “Layers” feature:

Notice the “Layers” feature:

LayersLayers display different types of interesting geographic contentFor example:National Geographic Magazine layer: displays images and stories related to the area from NatGeo.Panoramio layer: displays beautiful and interesting images related to the area.YouTube layer: displays videos related to the area*Wikipedia layer: displays articles about the area3D Buildings – virtual models of actual buildingsMany more layers to explore!

Placemarks and ToursAdd a marker to particular places on the map that you want to save or point outSearch the Google Earth Gallery to view pre-recorded tours of different areas or features Examples: World Cathedrals Tour, Tour de France, Israel Tourist Capability to record your own tours Add audio tracks of your voice to the tour!Share your tour with other Google Earth users!

Microsoft WorldWideTelescope

What is the WorldWideTelescope?Turn your computer into a virtual telescope!View the sky, stars, planets, constellations, and moreView the precise location of the moon or a planet from anywhere on earth, during any time period Take a narrated tour created by an astronomer or educatorCreate your own tour!

Mission of the WorldWideTelescope“To aggregate scientific data from major telescopes, observatories and institutions and make temporal and multi-spectral studies available through a single cohesive Internet–based portal.”“To re-awaken the interest for science in the younger generations through astronomy and new technologies through the virtual observatory of the WWT. This also provides a wonderful base for teaching astronomy, scientific discovery, and computational science.”(source: http://www.worldwidetelescope.org/WhatIs/WhatIsWWT.aspx?Page=InDepth)

How does it work?Download the software program to your computer, or use it directly from the Web.If you use WWT directly from the web, you will need to download Microsoft Silverlight3.0May be prompted to do soFast downloadHelps media-rich sites runhttp://www.worldwidetelescope.org

Introductory TourClick here to take an introductory tour using WorldWideTelescopehttp://www.worldwidetelescope.org/ExperienceIt/ExperienceIt.aspx

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Contact us!If you have any questions about these technologies or research, please contact a Reference LibrarianSee us in person at Reference Desk in the Library Phone: 508-626-4654Email: reference@framingham.eduIM : fscrefdesk