Climate change in Google Earth

Check out this video of "Google Earth Climate Change Simulator" which shows effects of climate change. Its narrated by Al Gore. This video has been released to coincide with the upcoming UN climate change conference in Copenhagen. (via)

Related: Also check out my map of Effects of Climate Change on US Coastal Cities

Google Earth Tour of Detroit

Check out this video I created of Detroit as seen in Google Earth. I loved the tour of Comerica Park and Tiger Stadiums which appear in the latter half of the video

Titanic shipwreck in Google Earth

Google Earth version 5.0 was released yesterday with some great new features which includes 3D view of Mars, ocean data (yes you now dive into the oceans).

I looked at incredible 3D view of Mariana Trench (deepest point in the oceans). Then I dived into North Atlantic to look at where Titanic sank. There it was, 3D view of Titanic lying on the Ocean floor. I created a video of this, here it is.

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Florida is the site of today's Super Bowl XLIII. Using a screen capture software I captured this video of Raymond James Stadium, as seen in Google Earth.

Barack Obama Inauguration Parade Route

I plugged in the start and end location of the Barack Obama Inauguration parade route in "Google Earth Driving Simulator" and then screen captured it and uploaded it to YouTube. Here it is:

Video Capture of Barack Obama's Journey

Couple of days back I had created a Google Earth version of Barack Obama's Journey to White House. This mashup requires Google Earth Plugin. For those who have not downloaded Google Earth Plugin, I did a screen capture (video) of Barack Obama's Journey. Here's how it looks.

Swindling Billions will get you a house like....

this beach house owned by swindler Bernie Madoff in Montauk (Google Earth View). (also view in Google Maps).
(found at ValleyWag)



and then you might end up here...

Barack Obama's journey - A Google Earth View

I have created a Google Earth View of Barack Obama's Journey from his birthplace in Honolulu, Hawaii to White House. This view also has video highlights from his

• speech at Democratic Convention in Boston - 2004
• Presidential Campaign Launch - Springfield, IL
• Speech at Democratic Convention in Denver, CO
• Victory Night speech at Grant Park, Chicago, IL

(Note: This mashup requires Google Earth Plugin).
(BTW if you are interested: About Me - A Google Earth Version)

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

The forecast calls for snow this week in South Eastern Michigan and then I see "Polar Express" DVD next to the TV and neighbors putting up Christmas lights.
What else?
Just found out (via Google Blog) that Google has

teamed up again this year with NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, to bring you the NORAD Santa Tracker.

Visit NORAD website on Christmas Eve and you can track Santa in both Google Maps and Google Earth and view videos of his flights over several landmark cities, captured by special "Santa cams."

Here's a video from last year's Santa Tracker

Christopher Lloyd's Home destroyed in California Fire

Google Earth view of Terrain surrounding Christopher Lloyd's House:
Christopher Lloyd's home located at 1050 Coyote Rd., Santa Barbara, CA, was destroyed by wild fires. The 70-year-old actor, who played Doc Brown in Back To The Future, was filming in Vancouver when the fire reached his property and destroyed it. (via Zillow)

Google Maps View:

View Larger Map

Rome in 320 AD - A 3D view in Google Earth

Learning Ancient History will be a lot more fun now. If you are in a history class learning about Ancient Rome then head over to Google Earth to make your history class a enjoyable experience. Google LatLong Blog reports that Google has

introduced a new approach to learning about ancient history: the ability to go back in time and explore Rome as it existed in 320 AD -- in 3D!

All of this is possible through the new Ancient Rome 3D layer in Google Earth. To activate the layer, simply open the "Gallery" folder in the "Layers" panel and select "Ancient Rome 3D."

The new layer, produced by the University of Virginia's Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities (IATH) and based on its Rome Reborn model, contains over 6,700 3D buildings and 250 Google Earth placemarks that allow Google Earth users to explore and learn about this fascinating period of history.

(Information first found at Google Earth Blog)

Here's a video from Google introducing the new layer in Google Earth.

Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Vaishno Devi is one of the holiest Hindu temples, located in the hill of Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is the second most visited religious shrine in India.

Back in January, 2005 I visited India after a gap of 15 years. After attending a family wedding in New Delhi we headed north to Jammu & Kashmir for a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi. From the base camp we had to walk approx 12 kms of narrow path up the mountain to the place of worship. It was a unforgettable experience (the view, having to walk thru metal detectors after every couple of kilometers).

The satellite view of this place of worship was blurred, I guess because of security reasons.

I am again planning to go on a pilgrimage to this temple in February. So while planning the whole thing out I decided to take a look at this location on Google Maps. Wow!! it is no longer blurred. Here's the view in Google Earth. For a view in Google Maps click here.

Google Earth for IPhone

Stephen Shankland reports in CNET that Google has

dived headlong onto Apple's highly regarded mobile phone with a full-fledge application, a handheld version of its Google Earth geographical software.

I just downloaded it. It is awesome!!. I just took a screen capture of Mt. Everest shown on the right. Some of the coolest feature (quoting from CNET)

When the iPhone is tilted a certain angle out of horizontal, Google Earth reads data from the phone's accelerometer and adjusts your view accordingly, so you can look up into the sky.

Also handy for folks whizzing around foreign cities in buses, taxies, rental cars, or trains, the iPhone app can show your changing location on a map.

I think I have used this app way too much!! Now I have to recharge the IPhone battery :)

Here's a video from Google on how to get started with Google Earth on your IPhone (video found at Google Earth Blog)

Around the world in 80 seconds

Keir Clarke of GoogleMapsMania takes you around the world in 80 seconds via the new Google Earth Browser Plug-in. Click on the city name and you are flown into that city. Check it out it is cool. Here are images of "Gateway of India" - Mumbai and Statue of Liberty, New York.

Gateway of India, Mumbai, India

Statue of Liberty, New York

Google Earth View of Russia from Alaska

The Alaskan island from where you can see Russia is called Little Diomede. Only about 150 Alaskans live on the whole island. And just about two miles away; in full view of every single house on the island is the nation of Russia. Specifically, it is the Russian Island of Big Diomede which sits about 25 miles from the Russian Siberian mainland (which you can also see from the American island.) Most everybody on Little Diomede had relatives who lived on Big Diomede.(CNN)

And here's Google Earth View from Palin's Alaska to Putin's Russia:

Also check out Google Maps View.

Track Hurricane IKE in Google Maps and Google Earth

Google Maps View of Hurricane IKE:


View Larger MapRelated:
Track Hurricane IKE in Google Earth
Hurricane IKE - Twitter Chatter + YouTube Videos

Heavy Rains around Grand Canyon causes Dam Breach

Associated Press is reporting that

Days of heavy rains around the Grand Canyon created flooding that breached an earthen dam Sunday and forced helicopters to pluck scores of residents and campers from the gorge. No injuries were immediately reported.

The flooding came on a weekend during the busy summer tourist season, when thousands of visitors a day flock to the canyon for spectacular views, hikes or to raft its whitewater.

Google Earth/Maps view will follow soon. I had a incorrect view here. Sorry about that!

Here's what I found

Information on Redlands Dam is hard to find because of national security concerns. Links to dam safety web sites are limited to authorized personnel.

The link mentioned above states that "Redlands Dam" is located on "Cataract Canyon". So this might be the approximate Location - (Google Maps View)

Google Earth View:

See Walt Disney World in 3D on Google Earth

Google Blog is reporting that

Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, an interactive, virtual Walt Disney World has been completely recreated on Google Earth. This revolutionary project features 3D models of four Orlando theme parks and more than 20 of Disney’s Resort hotels. Incredible in scope -- containing over 1,500 3D models -- Walt Disney World Resort in 3D is the most detailed 3D rendering undertaken on Google Earth to date

Also check out this awesome video put together by GEarthBlog which gives you a quick tour of 3D Disney World Magic Kingdom.

Google Earth Updated with Cool features

Google Earth (version 4.3) has been updated with some great...great new features. One of them is "Lighting Effects" (day and night mode) which shows you the current position of the sun. And when you drag the time slider you can see how the sun progresses as the earth rotates. Check out this and the rest of the new features in this video created by Google Earth Blog:

Broadcast your World with SEERO

Seero is a geobroadcasting platform that combines live and on-demand video with real-time GPS tracking. Users can embed maps into their blogs as and their Seero content in Google Maps and Google Earth. Seero automatically generates the KML feed so that a user's new content will appear in their embedded map as they update it on Seero. For an example of this check out user Craig's KML feed.

He's also embedded this feed into his own blog, you can view the link here (check the video box on the side panel to display the Seero video content).

Viewers can load Seero's global KML feed in Google Earth and see the GPS positioning of each broadcaster along with their live video feed. For full information on KML feeds and a link to Seero's Google Earth live global feed click here.

Track Santa in Google Earth

Google Blog is reporting that Google has teamed up with North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Starting at 1.00 am PST on December 24th

you'll be able to track Santa's trip in real time. You can download Google Earth and add the NORAD Tracks Santa iGoogle gadget to your iGoogle page anytime, but make sure to come back to noradsanta.org on December 24th to download the special Santa Tracking file (KML) for an enhanced 3D Santa-tracking experience in Google Earth.

But what do you do till December 24th?.

You can visit NORAD's website, where families can find a new kid-friendly game or activity every day until December 24th

Rock Star's home "Burned to Crisp" in Malibu Fires

Both LA Times and CNN is reporting that Flea who is a bassist for the group Red Hot Chili Pepper, has lost his home in Malibu Fires. Flea whose real name is Michael Balzary describes it this way - His home has been "Burnt to Crisp". This home was up for sale and was listed for $4.8 million at Pritchett-Rapf.

Take a look at the terrain in Google Earth (also view in Google Maps) where this home was sitting. This home must have burnt out real quick.

Wildfires threaten homes near Malibu, California

CNN is reporting that

A fast-moving wildfire destroyed more than a dozen homes and was spreading through the canyons and hills above Malibu, California, today, forcing dozens of residents to flee ahead of the flames.

Here's a view in Google Earth of the General Vicinity of the Wildfires (location source: LAFD). (Also view in Google Maps).

World Map at General Motors Plaza, Detroit, MI

Here's a Google Maps Satellite view of World Map carved in Granite at General Motors Plaza, Detroit, MI (right by the Detroit River). This World Map shows (not visible on Google Maps) General Motors Facility Locations World Wide.

Wait a second! If you think this is cool, then take a look at what folks in Dubai, UAE have done. They have created a World Map out of sand dredged from sea. This world map is a cluster of 300 islands. Here's a Google Earth View of the "World Map" in Dubai, UAE (also view in Google Maps).

Cyclone Sidr

A Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Sidr, battered Bangladesh with wind speeds of up to 250 km/h, with gusts of 305 km/h.

BBC is reporting that scores have died as the cyclone roared through Bangladesh

Officials have warned that the death toll could rise and that the extent of the damage is still unclear.

Here is a NASA image of Cyclone Sidr which I have attempted to overlay on Google Earth.

Major Earthquake strikes Northern Chile

UPDATE: MAJOR AFTERSHOCKS REPORTED (CNN)
A major earthquake of the magnitude of 7.7 has struck Northern Chile. There have been widespread damage reported (more at CNN and BBC).

Here's Google Earth View (also view in Google Maps) of the Pedro Galleguillos tunnel which collapsed and where atleast 50 people were trapped. The Pedro Galleguillos tunnel is approx 2,600-foot (793-meter) long and located about 8.5 miles (14 km) north of Tocopilla, Chile.

Geography Awareness Week - Asia: Continent of Contrasts

Google LatLong Blog reports that they (Google) have

teamed up with My Wonderful World, a National Geographic-led campaign for geographic literacy, to give students, parents and geography enthusiasts a look at "Asia: Continent of Contrasts" during Geography Awareness Week. Held annually during the third week of November, Geography Awareness Week is an initiative to create awareness of the people, places and diversity of a specific world region.

Each year the Geography Awareness Week focuses on different theme. This year's theme is "Asia: Continent of Contrasts".

My Wonderful World takes you on a Tour of Asia in Google Earth where you can learn more about Asia's Culture and Natural Wonders. Here's a Google Earth Link which takes you on a tour of Asia where you can learn about its Festivals and Celebrations.

Google Earth adds Weather Layer

Google LatLong Blog reports that Google Earth has been updated with Weather Layer. In the layers panel you will now see a "Weather" Folder which has 3 sub layers ("Clouds," "Radar," and "Conditions and Forecasts").

Here's a image from Google Earth showing Cloud cover over Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Indiana, Ohio.

Pakistan Declares State of Emergency

Pakistan today declared a State of Emergency. Quoting CNN:

Musharraf issued a provisional constitutional order proclaiming the emergency and suspending the nation's constitution, according to a statement read on state television.

BBC is reporting that Pakistani Troops have surrounded the Supreme Court and

Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, who condemned the moves, has reportedly been sacked and is being confined to the Supreme Court with 10 other judges.

Fly to Pakistan Supreme Court, Islamabad, Pakistan in Google Earth:

Updated Google Earth Imagery for Detroit, MI

Google Earth Imagery for Detroit has been updated. I have not seen the update in Google Maps yet. Some of what I have seen...

Ford Field - (Home of Detroit Lions), now with FORD logo on the roof of the stadium.


Campus Martius Park (Lunch time crowd enjoying music in the park)


Detroit Princess Riverboat


Detroit TV Anchors on top of Detroit People Mover

Google Maps and Google Earth updated with high-res imagery

Google LatLong Blog reports that Google Maps and Google Earth have been updated with high resolution imagery. Google Earth Blog has a list of some of these updated locations.

Here are some of them:

Niagara Falls
View in (Google Earth, Google Maps)


Crater Lake, Oregon
View in Google Earth


Derby, United Kingdom - "Ghost Capital of Great Britain"
View in (Google Earth, Google Maps)

Wildfires in Malibu, California

CNN is reporting that wildfires in Southern California has

shut down the Malibu section of the Pacific Coast Highway and damaged or destroyed at least 23 buildings, including a church, across 1,200 acres, officials reported.

Flames consumed Malibu's landmark Castle Kashan, a fortress-like hilltop home with turrets and arched windows.

Chunks of brick fell from the exterior of the burning building overlooking the coast. The house was not directly in the fire's path, but the powerful winds carried embers to the building. Castle Kashan is the home of Lilly Lawrence, a Malibu philanthropist.

Google Earth View of Castle Kashan: (Click here for Google Maps View)

New 7 Wonders of the World in Google Earth with YouTube videos

Google LatLong Blog reports that now you can view YouTube videos in Google Earth. So I wanted to give it a try...

Some time back I had created a Google Maps Mashup of New 7 Wonders of the World (with YouTube video). I have translated that mashup (manually) into Google Earth KML file. Here it is...

Impact of Climate Induced Sea Level Rise on Coastal Cities in United States

Architecture 2030 has undertaken a study which shows the probable impact on Coastal Cities in United States starting with a 1 Meter Sea Level rise (induced by climate change).

The flood maps generated by the study were

superimposed over Google Earth images to illustrate in detail how localities will be flooded on a calm, rain-free day at high tide at various increments of sea level rise

Here's a Google Maps View of the coastal cities mentioned in the Architecture 2030 Study. On clicking the marker the current image of the city along with a after (sea level rise) image of the city is shown.

Help find Steve Fossett

Amazon's Mechanical Turk Website has the latest satellite imagery (post September 3rd, 2007) of the area around Flying M Ranch in Nevada from where Steve Fossett last took off and till date has not been found. The idea here is that users could flag potential areas which would be further looked at by team of specialists.

You can load this network link KML file in Google Earth which has the latest satellite imagery of Western Nevada and start looking for objects which might look like small plane flown by Steve Fossett. (Sources: Wikipedia and Google Earth Blog)

Google Earth view of Flying M Ranch airport (latest satellite imagery)

Steve Fossett Still Missing

As of this writing there is still no trace of Adventurer/Aviator/Sailor Steve Fossett who took off on September 3rd, 2007 at 8.45 AM from a private airstrip known as Flying-M Ranch, near Smith Valley, 30 miles south of Yerington, Nevada, near Carson City and the California border. For the latest in rescue effort check out (CNN, BBC).

Here's a Google Earth View of Flying M Ranch (South View) from where Steve Fossett took off. Click here for Google Maps View.

Barry Bonds becomes Baseball's Home Run King

Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron's record of 755 Home Runs. (more at CNN)

Barry Bonds achieved this feat at AT&T Park, San Francisco on 08/07/2007. Here's a 3D Google Earth View of AT&T Park.



Click here for Google Maps View of AT&T Park, San Francisco.

Coal Miners trapped in UTAH

6 Coal Miners were trapped in a coal mine in UTAH. The men were caught in a cave-in at the Crandall Canyon Mine before dawn Monday (8/6/2007). As of last word the rescue workers have still not been able to reach the trapped miners. (more at CNN)

Here's a Google Earth View of Crandall Canyon Mine, UTAH.


Here's a Google Maps View of Crandall Canyon Mine, Utah

I-35W Bridge collapses into Mississippi River in Minneapolis

Google Earth View of I-35W Bridge over Mississippi River:


Interstate 35W Bridge over Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed this evening. Click here for Bridge Specs.

From local KARE 11 TV station in Minneapolis

The entire span of the 35W Bridge collapsed about 6:05 p.m. where the freeway crosses the river near University Avenue. Traffic in both directions was affected.

There about 100,000 cars a day traveling over this bridge according to MnDOT and it is believed there were at least 50 cars on the bridge when it collapsed.

Google Maps View of the Bridge location in Minneapolis.

Google Earth now has NASA Layer

Google LatLong Blog reports the addition of NASA Layer in Google Earth. The NASA Layer has 3 components 1)Astronaut Photography of Earth 2)Satellite Imagery 3)Earth City Lights.

Here are some of the stunning images I found on Google Earth (with NASA Layer selected - which can be found under Featured Content)

Astronaut Photography Layer:
Spring thaw, Straights of Mackinac, Michigan (The top image was taken on March 22nd when the Mackinac Straights were still frozen and the bottom image on April 9th, 2005 when they began to thaw)


Satellite Imagery Layer:
Gangotri Glacier Retreat, India (Maybe Al Gore is right on Global Warming)


Earth City Lights Layer:
A look at the Urbanization Patterns - Upper Midwest, USA and Ontario, Canada (Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Toronto)

Google Maps again showing post Katrina Satellite Imagery of New Orleans

After the firestorm of criticism over Google Maps showing pre Katrina Satellite Imagery, Google Maps now is showing post Katrina Satellite Imagery of New Orleans.

Here's what New Orleans Superdome looks like (Images look much sharper now)

I have circled the area in the top left corner which reads "Re-Opening 9-24-2006 GO SAINTS".

In Google Earth it looks like this:


Blue Tarps covering the Roofs (Google Maps View)

On this day in 1979 - Accident at Three Mile Island, PA

On this day (March 28th, 1979) a partial core meltdown occurred in the Nuclear Power Plant located at Three Mile Island, PA (more details at Wikipedia).

Here's a 3d view in Google Earth of Three Mile Island (via Google Earth Blog)



Google Maps View of Three Mile Island, PA