Many of you will no doubt have seen Google Earth (not to be confused with google maps).
For those that have not, it is quite simply an incredibly powerful application of modern satellite imagery and topography.
Simply put, Google Earth allows you to view the surface of the entire planet in glorious three dimensions (The resolution available depends on the location you are viewing).
Of greater relevance to paragliding, and powered paragliding pilots is that it allows you to view the exact path of a flight over a 3D rendering of the terrain. GPS logs can be used to generate stunningly detailed analysis of your flight.
Here are some examples from Mexico. Google Earth makes screenshots easily. This flight path was taken from the paragliding forum.
Paragliding take off locations and flight paths
Flight Logs from around the world
These images give you a taste of what Google Earth can do, but to really appreciate it you`ll have to download it. You can vary the zoom, tilt, orientation, move in any direction you wish, add overlays of roads, restaurants, bars... It really is very powerful stuff. Noone else is breaking ground quite like google!
Google Earth is bursting with features. It is very user friendly and is just another example of how Google really is providing awesome products free to the masses.
It is not just useful for paragliders either. Here is my daily run, plotted and measured.
So, if you haven`t downloaded it yet, get busy. See what you`ve been missing.
We`re flattered to hear that you`re further incorporating Google Earth into your online world. You can personally use an image from the application (for example on your website, on a blog or in a word document) as long as you preserve the copyrights and attributions including the Google logo attribution. However, you cannot sell these to others, provide them as part of a service, or use them in a commercial product such as a book or TV show without first getting a rights clearance from Google
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