Igge unit1

Unit 1: Installing and configuring Google Earth 5.0

Background

Google Earth is an online geography tool that allows you to fly anywhere on the planet Earth and view satellite images of the ground below. This application works much like many of the other mapping websites that are available on the internet, except that this program allows the user to view actual images of the Earth’s terrain, major cities, and even 3D images of many historical buildings. Google Earth not only allows the user to drag the map and its terrain in all directions to move around the planet, it also allows the user to input addresses and coordinates to quickly find specific locations and points of interest.

In this unit you will be shown how to install the download and install the Google Earth software package. Once this task is completed we will also discuss how to view the Google Earth tutorials and “Startup Tips” that can be very helpful to all users. The “Google Earth 5.0 Installation Instructions” link listed below under the “Lesson” portion of this unit offers straight forward, step by steps directions that detail where to download the Google Earth application and how to install it on you own computer or laptop.

Objectives - Upon completion of this unit, students will have the ability to:

1) Understanding the installation process

2) Explain the hardware requirements to run Google Earth 5.0

3) Understanding how to access the Google Earth tutorials and “Startup Tips”

Prerequisites:

Essential

1) Computer - Recommended System Hardware

• Operating System: Windows XP or Windows Vista

• CPU: Pentium 4 2.4GHz+ or AMD 2400xp+

• System Memory (RAM): 512MB

• Hard Disk: 2GB free space

• Network Speed: 768 Kbits/sec

• Graphics Card: 3D-capable with 32MB of VRAM

• Screen: 1280x1024, "32-bit True Color"

2) Internet Access

3) Web Browser

4) Rights to install a program locally to the computer/laptop

Supportive

1) A positive attitude towards technology, computers, the internet

2) A positive attitude towards Geography

3) Open to learning new ideas and terms

Lessons:

1) Google Earth 5.0 Installation Instructions

Assignments:

1) Discussion 1: Click on the "Discussion” tab at the top of this page and answer each of the following questions. Once completed read and reply to at least 3 of your classmates posts on their page.

a) Describe some of the fears your experienced before attempting to install Google Earth and how you got past them.

b) Describe some of the problems you had installing Google Earth and how you solved them.

Timeframe:

30 minutes estimated to complete

Navigational Links

Forward to Unit 2: Using Google Earth to View Your House From Space

Back to Mini Course Page: IGGE Mini Course

Back to Home Page: TLewis

Back to IGGE Page: Improving Geography with the Help of Google Earth

Back to Community: ETAP 623 Sping 2009