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

This day in 1862 - Battle of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico

On this day (March 28th, 1862) the Confederate States Army's invasion of New Mexico territory was halted by the Union Forces in the "Battle of Glorieta Pass" (more at Wikipedia)

Google Maps View of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico



Google Earth View of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Grand Canyon Skywalk - a horse shoe shaped glass walkway over the Colorado River (at a height of 1200 meters and extends approx 65 feet from the edge of the Canyon) is all set to open to General Public on March 28th.

A look at the location of Grand Canyon Skywalk on Google Maps and Google Earth:

Best Beaches for Shells in North America

Here's a look at Best (top 10) beaches for Shells in North America on Google Maps and Google Earth

(Source: CNN)

Cruise Missile over UTAH on Google Maps or is it?

Take a look a the adjacent image. At first glance it looks like a cruise missile somewhere over South Central UTAH. But on closer look you can see the shadow of wings of a commercial airliner. (View in Google Maps) (View in Google Earth)

(via GoogleEarth Blog)

Flying over Swiss Alps in Google Earth - Awsome!!

Frank Taylor of Google Earth has done a awesome job in creating flight sequences over Swiss Alps in Google Earth. Take a look at the real thing and then what Frank has done. Wow Great Job!!

Real Flight


Frank's Swiss Alps Jet Tour on Google Earth

Alabama High School Destroyed by Tornado

CNN is reporting that atleast 5 people died at a High School in Enterprise, Alabama which was hit today (03/01/2007) by a Tornado.

Laren Allgood a reporter from Enterprise Ledger had this to say:

The sprawling high school "looked like a bomb dropped on [it.] All the school buses are demolished,"

Here's a Google Maps view of Enterprise High School location.

Smiling Teenage Bank Robbers in Acworth, Georgia

Couple of Smiling Teenage Girls got away after committing a Bank Robbery at the Bank of America Branch located at 1720 Mars Hill Road, Acworth, Georgia.

Here's a Google Maps view of the Robbery Location. (Also view in Google Earth)