Earth Tutorials
- is completely web-based
- runs on Chromebooks, iPhones, iPads
- is built for educators
- Explore it at earth.google.com
- has updated, high-resolution 3D imagery of locations around the world.
- works with Google Classroom, too!
- Also: all of the videos below are available on the this Youtube playlist.
Navigating in the new Google Earth
Navigating in the new Google Earth
- The Navigation tools are in the bottom right hand corner.
- Zoom with the +, -, or pinch. You can also double click anywhere on the screen to zoom in to that specific location.
- Click Pegman to highlight any place where Street Views are available. Click on the highlights to view imagery.
- Holding "Shift" and dragging the mouse forward/backward will make the Google Earth camera parallel to the ground.
- Click on the crosshair to fly to your current location.
- The 3D button will tilt the view and fly in an orbit around your current location. You must be fairly close to the ground for this to work.
- Can also drag the digital globe in the bottom right to move around.
Searching in the new Google Earth:
Searching in the new Google Earth:
- Click the magnifying glass, search for any location on Planet Earth
- Locations you search for can be added to your Google Earth bookmarks to view later.
- The more specific your search, the more reliable your result
- Generic searches (I.E. Starbucks) will look for those locations around your current location.
Create and Explore your own Bookmarks
Create and Explore your own Bookmarks
- Add places to your bookmarks to easily access them later.
- You can export your bookmarks as a KML/KMZ file to open in Google My Maps.
- You can edit your bookmark names, too.
- Bookmarks can be used to show locations to students of places studying in class (settings of books, famous locations from history, etc)
Knowledge Cards
Knowledge Cards
- Learn more about locations by first doing a search in Google Earth (the Eiffel Tower, Gettysburg, etc).
- Click the card which appears in the top right hand corner
- Knowledge cards also show business hours, phone numbers, and helpful web listings
- For physical landmarks and parks, the cards show topographical maps, related locations, and trivia.
- Cards give more specific information and are good starters for research projects.
The I'm Feeling Lucky Button
The I'm Feeling Lucky Button
- Roll the dice by clicking the button, and travel to one of 25,000+ different locations around the world.
- Great way to "get lost" in the new Google Earth
- Make for quality student writing prompts
Customizing the Map Style
Customizing the Map Style
- Have lower performing Chromebooks? Change the Map Style to fit your device: Clean, Exploration, or Everything.
- You can also customize your own Google Earth look and feel (get rid of the cloud layer, view bodies of water, landmarks, etc)
- Wonderful way to show students what the Earth looks like with no boundaries/borders.
Google Earth Voyages
Google Earth Voyages
- Voyages are the new "Tours" of Google Earth
- Interactive learning experiences for students
- Voyages include Youtube Videos, weblinks, and helpful information
- Organized by content area
- Can be used for instruction or student self-guided learning
- Voyages can be shared to Google Classroom
Share Earth imagery and Street Views to posts in Google Classroom:
Share Earth imagery and Street Views to posts in Google Classroom:
- Find the image/location/street view you want your class to see.
- Click the "Share" button in Google Earth and select Classroom.
- Select the class for the post/assignment/question.
- Your selected Earth imagery is automatically attached onto your assignment/question/post for your students to view and interact with.
Uploading KML/KMZ Files to Google Earth
Uploading KML/KMZ Files to Google Earth
- KML files are an easy way to visualize data/information for students.
- Can import KML/KMZ into Google Chrome, Android, and iOS
- Learn more about importing and viewing KML/KMZ on this page.
Classic Google Earth Tours Work, too!
Classic Google Earth Tours Work, too!
- You can upload a classic Google Earth Tour (with videos and animations) and view it on the new Earth, too!
Viewing Photos in the new Google Earth
Viewing Photos in the new Google Earth
- Open the Google Earth menu.
- Select "Photos" to see all user submitted photos on Google Earth
- You can scroll through multiple photos for different locations
Want to edit a KML/KMZ in Earth?
Want to edit a KML/KMZ in Earth?
- Bring your KML/KMZ file into the new Google Earth
- Click the "Edit" button underneath "My Places"
- Click the location or folder you want to rename and select the label up the top
- Rename the location whatever you need to call it.
- Press "Done" and you're set!
The World Turned Upside Down
The World Turned Upside Down
- Want to show your students that North isn't "Up"?
- Click and drag over the poles to invert Google Earth.
- The country and ocean names remain right-side up.
- Click the compass in the bottom right to flip it back.