Google Earth Course

Lesson 1 • What Google Earth Does

Covers the platform's purpose, data sources, and real-world applications. Establishes context for every tool introduced later in the course.

Lesson 2 • Basic Navigation Controls

Teaches mouse, keyboard, and on-screen navigation tools for panning, zooming, and tilting. Smooth navigation is prerequisite to all mapping tasks ahead.

Lesson 3 • Understanding the Main Interface

Identifies every panel, toolbar, and menu in the default layout. Students map interface elements to specific functions they will use throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Exploring with Street View

Integrates ground-level Street View imagery into Earth exploration workflows. Adds a human-scale perspective that complements overhead satellite views.

Lesson 2 • Navigating with Coordinates

Teaches decimal degrees, degrees-minutes-seconds, and MGRS coordinate entry. Coordinate literacy is essential for professional-grade spatial work.

Lesson 3 • Using Historical Imagery

Accesses the time-slider tool to compare imagery across multiple dates. Historical analysis is a core skill for environmental and land-use studies.

Lesson 4 • Using the Search Function

Covers address, place name, and keyword searches within Google Earth. Accurate searching underpins every subsequent data collection and analysis task.

Lesson 1 • Managing Layer Visibility and Order

Adjusts opacity, draw order, and grouping to create readable multi-layer maps. Proper layer management prevents visual clutter in complex projects.

Lesson 2 • Importing External Data Layers

Loads KML, KMZ, and GeoJSON files from external sources into the viewer. External data integration expands analytical capability beyond built-in content.

Lesson 3 • Using Built-In Thematic Layers

Activates terrain, borders, roads, and other preloaded datasets. These layers provide geographic context for professional mapping and analysis tasks.

Lesson 1 • Organizing Annotations into Projects

Groups related features into named folders and projects for logical structure. Organized projects are easier to share, present, and maintain over time.

Lesson 2 • Adding and Customizing Placemarks

Creates point markers with custom icons, colors, and scale settings. Placemarks are the most fundamental annotation unit in any Google Earth project.

Lesson 3 • Drawing Paths and Routes

Draws multi-segment lines to represent roads, trails, and boundaries. Path creation builds on placemark skills and introduces linear feature editing.

Lesson 4 • Writing Rich Descriptions and Balloons

Adds HTML-formatted text, links, and images to feature description balloons. Rich descriptions transform raw markers into informative, professional deliverables.

Lesson 1 • Performing Line-of-Sight Analysis

Evaluates visibility between two points across terrain using 3D view tools. Line-of-sight analysis supports telecommunications, security, and site-planning decisions.

Lesson 2 • Analyzing Elevation and Terrain

Uses elevation profiles and terrain exaggeration to interpret topographic features. Terrain analysis is critical for infrastructure, environmental, and hazard assessments.

Lesson 3 • Using the Ruler Tool

Measures straight-line and path distances using the built-in ruler. Accurate distance measurement is foundational to site assessment and logistics planning.

Lesson 1 • Capturing and Exporting Map Images

Saves high-resolution screenshots and map images for reports and presentations. Image export translates interactive maps into static, distributable visuals.

Lesson 2 • Printing Maps from Google Earth

Configures print settings for paper maps with proper scale and orientation. Printed maps remain essential deliverables in field operations and client briefings.

Lesson 3 • Sharing Projects and Collaborating

Shares projects via links, email, and Google Drive for team collaboration. Effective sharing workflows keep distributed teams aligned on spatial data.

Lesson 1 • Working in 3D Building Mode

Enables and navigates 3D building models in urban environments. 3D mode adds architectural context essential for urban planning and site visualization.

Lesson 2 • Customizing View and Camera Settings

Adjusts field of view, altitude, and heading for precise camera positioning. Custom camera settings produce consistent, professional-quality map compositions.

Lesson 3 • Using the Time-Lapse Feature

Animates decades of satellite imagery to visualize environmental and urban change. Time-lapse is a powerful tool for change detection and impact communication.

Lesson 4 • Creating Guided Tours

Records flyover tours that animate between saved viewpoints and placemarks. Tours transform static maps into engaging presentations for stakeholders and clients.

Lesson 1 • Presenting and Delivering Final Projects

Packages and presents completed projects using tours, exports, and live demonstrations. Effective delivery ensures stakeholders understand and act on spatial findings.

Lesson 2 • Planning a Google Earth Project

Defines project scope, data requirements, and deliverable formats before mapping begins. Structured planning prevents rework and aligns outputs with stakeholder needs.

Lesson 3 • Quality Control and Map Accuracy

Applies verification techniques to ensure spatial accuracy and data consistency. Quality control is mandatory before delivering maps to clients or decision-makers.

Lesson 4 • Structuring Data for Large Projects

Organizes features, folders, and layers to support scalable, maintainable projects. Good data structure reduces errors and speeds up team collaboration.