Flying Archives

June 16, 2009

Memorial to UTA Flight 772 Visible from Space

(En Español) - GoogleSightseeing.com has written an excellent post about a unique memorial to UTA Flight 772 in the desert of Niger. This tragic flight ended when a briefcase bomb exploded while the DC-10 was enroute to Paris back in 1989. The bomb was placed by Libyan terrorists. In 2007, some family members of the 170 fatalities went out to the crash site and created a huge memorial made out of dark stones placed in the sand. The memorial shows a silhouette of a DC-10 seen from above. Amazingly, a 2007 GeoEye satellite photo shows the memorial shortly after it was finished in Google Earth. Now millions of people can see the memorial for the first time. See the location here now visible in Google Earth.

Memorial site to UTA Flight 772 in Google Earth

The families also took one of the wings and placed it vertically in the sand with a plaque listing the names of the deceased on the side. You can see this part of the memorial in a Panoramio photo which appears at the site if you turn on the "Geographic Web->Panoramio" layer as seen here (click the photo for larger version):

UTA Flight 772 Memorial site

Make sure to read GoogleSightseeing's post which has more details and links. Not only that, but one of the family members of the crash victims has left comments about how wonderful it is for them to see the memorial is now visible in Google Earth.

Posted by FrankTaylor at 9:06 AM | Comments (1)

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June 9, 2009

Air France Flight 447 - Google Earth Map

Yesterday I decided to check the Google Earth Community to see what kind of maps had been created for the location of the crash site of Air France Flight 447. There's an active thread on the crash in the Current Events forum. There are several useful maps like this one by 'rafaelds' which shows the approximate flight, when radar contact was lost, and the position when the last signal was received.

The map I found most useful to explaining what probably happened to Air France 447 is this image overlay of a weather map at the time of the crash (post by 'smokeonit' who is a GEB regular).

Map of Flight 447 crash location and weather

Download the maps and zoom in a bit to see the weather conditions the plane decided to go through. Dark on a radar map like this is very bad weather. The pilot of Flight 447 took the plane through the absolute worst part of a very big storm. He had radar and could have diverted. The question is, why didn't he divert around it? My condolences to the families of those lost in Flight 447. [UPDATE: GEB reader 'Alex' left a comment about some analysis of the weather system. It appears some reports did not show the bad weather, and analysis shows it developed suddenly. Further, the area the pilot flew through may have been a collapsing megacell which appeared safe up until the moment they went through. It can be hard to predict mother nature!]

Posted by FrankTaylor at 9:03 AM | Comments (12)

May 28, 2009

3D Flight Tracking in Netherlands with Google Earth

One of my favorite KML collections from the early days of Google Earth (way back in 2005 - which is a long time in Internet time), was the real-time flight tracker by FBOweb that lets you watch incoming aircraft for several major airports in the US. I am a bit disappointed they haven't enhanced the tracker very much considering all the new features in Google Earth since 2005. But, it still amazes people when I demonstrate live updating positions of planes in 3D approaching a major airport. (See a list of several cities to follow in this post).

Recently I ran across another real-time flight tracker in the Netherlands for Google Earth. The Geluidsnet web site (in Dutch) lets you watch planes arriving and departing from a few airports through this Google Earth network link (once it loads, click on "Schiphol area" to see the tracks for the last 30 minutes). They display a vertical "fence" below each plane to help visualize the altitude and paths. Orange fences are arriving aircraft, green are departing. The visualization gives a better sense of position and the number of planes when viewed from an angle. If you look closely, you will notice every few seconds the positions (and fences) change. Updating data like this is done using the power of the Google Earth "network link".

3D Fligtht Tracking in Netherlands with Google Earth

You would think the data is coming from aircraft transponders. [UPDATE 1530 ET: And they are! In doing a translation of a page on the Dutch-speaking site, I read how they were taking sound measurements for noise pollution purposes related to aircraft - and interpreted this to mean that was how they were getting the data. But, locals have explained to me the data is in fact coming from transponders.] But, using Google Translate, I read that they are using sophisticated sound measurements and algorithms to record data on aircraft and can determine position, speed, and even aircraft types.

Posted by FrankTaylor at 8:32 AM | Comments (7)

May 18, 2009

Fantastic Free Google Earth Game: Ships

PlanetInAction.com has released the first version of a fantastic free simulation game which leverages the browser-based Google Earth plugin as the primary graphics engine. The game is called "Ships" and lets you take the helm on ships - barges, cargo ships, container ships, and even a cruise ship (the QM 2). Everything is in 3D, you can drive the ships anywhere in the world, there are sound effects, physical modeling, and realistic visual effects that makes this a wonder to behold. Not only that, but the author - Paul van Dinther - has created some great camera tools to make it easier for people to follow the action and see the sights. This is the best example of the Google Earth API I've seen to date.

I was fortunate enough to work with Paul over the past few weeks providing some beta testing before he released Ships. Once you see the application, you'll understand why I was thrilled to get involved. There are some technical notes on the application below the fold. But, watch this video review to see what I'm excited about:

You can try Ships right now - make sure you read the keyboard shortcuts. Everything else is pretty straightforward, although watching the video above may help you learn some tricks - especially with the cameras.

Ships uses the Google Earth API, Flash 8.0, and Javascript. He also used Soundmanager 2 for sound effects, and SketchUp for the 3D models. Not everything is physically modeled (the anchor doesn't stop the boat). Paul wasn't able to implement collision detection (for this release), so the ship doesn't go "aground" when you hit the shore - maybe it will in the "Pro" version. Paul had this to say about working with the Google Earth graphics engine:

"Google Earth proves extremely capable to handle many overlays with alpha transparencies which enables developers to create intricate and graphically rich instruments. Proof of that can be seen in the Compass/rudder instrument which consists of 5 layers of bitmaps. (compass rose, rudder dial, rudder position needle, rudder target needle and instrument bevel). Each layered image uses alpha transparency to create a sense of depth and shadows. There really is no limit what can be achieved in the hands of an experienced graphics artist."

I'm hoping other developers will take a look at Ships and realize the GE platform has a lot to offer. This game really shows what is possible if you take advantage of what the Google Earth platform can do.

There were a couple of other GE plugins before Ships which gave a glimpse at what was possible. See the Paragliding Simulator and Satellite Debris plugin applications. But, today, my hat is off to Paul van Dinther for his Ships simulator/game. Great work Paul!

Posted by FrankTaylor at 7:38 AM | Comments (19)

May 5, 2009

The U-2 Incident in Google Earth

On May 1, 1960, an American U-2 spyplane flew high above the Soviet Union photographing strategic targets. The pilot of this U-2 was thirty-year-old Francis Gary Powers. The plane was shot down by surface to air missiles causing the "1960 U-2 Incident". Back in late-December, Google Earth Community member 'BeadieJay' posted an excellent Google Earth collection of placemarks documenting the life of Francis Gary Powers and the U-2 Incident.

Francis Gary Powers U-2 Incident in Google Earth

Thanks to 'Delta102' for the tip. I would have posted this on May 1, but I was on a backpacking trip and completely off the 'Net for a few days.

Posted by FrankTaylor at 10:10 AM | Comments (1)

More entries for this category:

  1. Swiss Fighter Video Synched - GE 5 Style - April 26, 2009
  2. Heli-Ski Tour in Google Earth - March 12, 2009
  3. Google Earth 5 Tour Roundup - February 26, 2009
  4. Google Earth 5 Cool Tip: Flight Simulator in Ocean or Mars - February 25, 2009
  5. This Google Earth File Could Make you Sick - February 20, 2009
  6. Jimmy Buffet Helps Announce Google Earth 5 - February 5, 2009
  7. Links: New GE Help Forums, DC-3 Weather Vane, NYC GE Visitor Center, Virtual Alabama Video, 360Cities Embed - January 22, 2009
  8. Fly Flight 1549 Yourself in Google Earth - January 21, 2009
  9. U-2 Spyplane Caught in Flight in Google Earth - January 5, 2009
  10. Watch Santa Claus Make his Deliveries - December 24, 2008
  11. Planes on Poles in Google Earth (plus an extra feature) - December 12, 2008
  12. Location of Steve Fossett Remains Reportedly Found - October 31, 2008
  13. WikiSailing - Flying/Sailing Sightseeing Tours in Google Earth - October 29, 2008
  14. Paragliding Simulator with Google Earth Plugin - October 23, 2008
  15. Links: Planet Search, Interactive KML, FlightSim, iPhone GPS - October 21, 2008
  16. Links: Panoramio Heat Maps, See Russia?, 1m LiDAR, Airship - October 13, 2008
  17. Location of Plane Wreck of Steve Fossett - October 2, 2008
  18. Steve Fossett Items Found Near Mammoth Lakes - October 1, 2008
  19. New Virtual Earth with 3D Clouds - September 25, 2008
  20. Links: Hurricane Ike, GeoEye Launched, Aviation Maps, McClendon in Kansas - September 8, 2008
  21. Follow a Book, Check Aeronautical Charts in Google Earth Plugin - July 31, 2008
  22. More Add-ons for Google Earth Flight Simulator - July 28, 2008
  23. Notes from the Bahamas: GE in Education, AGE More KML, Disney 3D - June 26, 2008
  24. Links: Big Dog, Plugins, Smoke, Stonehenge, SketchUp Camp, Kenya - June 13, 2008
  25. PictEarth Flies UAV with N95 Over WhereCamp - May 20, 2008
  26. Mike's Flying Bike for Google Earth - May 16, 2008
  27. Google Earth for Pilots - April 29, 2008
  28. How to Get 3D Buildings in Google Earth 4.3 Flight Simulator - April 24, 2008
  29. Links: SR22 Cockpit, Jane Austen, Magnetic Pole, Taiwan GE Bonanza, Tutorial, VE3D on Mac - March 17, 2008
  30. YouTube API on Swiss Fighter Video - March 14, 2008
  31. F-16 Cockpit Add-on For Google Earth Flight Sim - February 8, 2008
  32. Cool US Flights Visualization in Google Earth - February 7, 2008
  33. Guys Fly Balloon to 30 km Altitude - See it in Google Earth - January 25, 2008
  34. Major Geek Cred - January 17, 2008
  35. Tracking Flights in Google Earth - January 11, 2008
  36. Missed Opportunity - It's a Sign - January 9, 2008
  37. Top 25 Stories of Google Earth 2007 - December 27, 2007
  38. Astronaut Mode For Google Earth - December 18, 2007
  39. Two Old Planes Caught Close Up in Google Earth - December 9, 2007
  40. Google Earth and Santa Claus - December 7, 2007
  41. Links: Tracking Santa, Netherland Statistics, Boat Parades, OpenAerialMap - December 3, 2007
  42. News and Links - Out of Beta, Crysis, Our Dumb World, Visual ILS - November 30, 2007
  43. X PRIZE Cup Photos Mapped - November 1, 2007
  44. Trip Status, Links: PhotoOverlay tool, CIA World Factbook, Another BMNG - October 29, 2007
  45. Links: Glider Towing, 3D Bonanza, John Hanke Presentation, Google Maps Profiles, Virtual Earth 3D Modeling - October 19, 2007
  46. 2007 Wirefly X PRIZE Cup - October 8, 2007
  47. 3D Red Bull Flights in Google Earth - September 21, 2007
  48. Burning Man 2007 in Google Earth - September 18, 2007
  49. New DigitalGlobe Imagery for Steve Fossett Search - September 13, 2007
  50. Back to School - Educational Uses with Google Earth - September 11, 2007
  51. News Roundup: Flight Sim Tips, Clouds and Weather, KML 2.2, Google Solar Panels, Pollution - September 10, 2007
  52. Help Find Steve Fossett with Google Earth - September 9, 2007
  53. Flight Simulator HUD Display Guide, and an Advanced Tip - September 6, 2007
  54. Get Inside a Helicopter in Google Earth - September 5, 2007
  55. News Roundup: Flight Simulator Goodies, PhotoViewer Stuff, Video tourism - September 4, 2007
  56. Video for Flying with Google Earth Flight Simulator - September 3, 2007
  57. Flight Simulator Mode in Google Earth 4.2 - August 31, 2007
  58. Google Earth 4.2 Roundup - August 27, 2007
  59. R/C Planes and Camera Fun with Google Earth - August 12, 2007
  60. Biography of Neil Armstrong in Google Earth - August 6, 2007
  61. News Roundup: Panoramio 2 Million, Geographic Web, Loop the Loop, Starbucks, Bug in GE - June 28, 2007
  62. Pict'Earth - UAV Aerial Photography Solutions - June 19, 2007
  63. ChartGeek - Sectional Maps for Pilots in Google Earth - May 28, 2007
  64. Plane-shaped Pools in Google Earth - April 28, 2007
  65. Stephen Hawking Flies in Zero G - April 27, 2007
  66. News Roundup - Fixes for Windows Vista, Airshows, FBOWeb update, Photos with Search - March 19, 2007
  67. Meigs Field - Preserved in Google Earth - March 15, 2007
  68. Nine Planes in Formation - Faked in the Google Earth Database! - March 13, 2007
  69. NOT a Cruise Missile in Flight Over Utah - March 4, 2007
  70. Swiss Alps "Fighter" Tour in Google Earth - March 1, 2007
  71. SpaceNavigator News: Fly Inside Demo, Security Checkpoints - February 22, 2007
  72. Planes in Flight Hobby - February 13, 2007
  73. Sydney Aerial Photo Shoot - January 26, 2007
  74. Play Tour Mode in Google Earth - January 10, 2007
  75. New Imagery Update for the Holidays - Awesome! - December 17, 2006
  76. Santa's Toy Hunt and Santa Tracker in Google Earth - December 13, 2006
  77. News Roundup - Animated 3D, EmerGeo, Altered Oceans, Virtual Airlines - October 29, 2006
  78. Geotagged Photos from X PRIZE Cup, GPS Track too - October 25, 2006
  79. Flight Back from Las Cruces in Google Earth - October 23, 2006
  80. Same Day Aerial Photo in Google Earth - October 21, 2006
  81. Trip Report and News Roundup: Flight to Las Cruces, Sensors, BBC on Maps, New blog - October 18, 2006
  82. Flight of Space Ship One Depicted in Google Earth - October 12, 2006
  83. Plane Crashed into Building in New York - See Location in Google Earth - October 11, 2006
  84. Burning Man 2006 in Google Earth - October 3, 2006
  85. Take Flight Sim Scenery and Port it to Google Earth - September 28, 2006
  86. Google Earth as a "Flight Simulator" - September 15, 2006
  87. 3D 747 Airliner on Approach at Maho Beach in Google Earth - August 25, 2006
  88. Salute to the An-2 in Google Earth - August 10, 2006
  89. Goggles - Google Maps Flight Simulator, Also: Google Earth Flying - August 8, 2006
  90. FSEarth 3.0 - MS Flight Simulator and Google Earth - July 8, 2006
  91. Aeronautical Information System - June 26, 2006
  92. KC-135 Caught Refueling C-5 Galaxy in Mid-Air in Google Earth! - June 25, 2006
  93. Sightseeing Roundup for Google Earth - May 2, 2006
  94. Go Flying - Flight Tracklogs for Google Earth - April 30, 2006
  95. Tribute to 'Connie' in Google Earth - April 9, 2006
  96. FSEarth - MS Flight Simulator 2004 and Google Earth - April 6, 2006
  97. Maldives Island Group in High Res - March 24, 2006
  98. Flyagogo - A Pilot Google Maps Mashup (with GE tie-in) - March 23, 2006
  99. GlobalFlyer Attempting Third World Record - March 15, 2006
  100. Identifying Planes in Google Earth - March 1, 2006
  101. FSPilot Connects FS2004 to Google Earth - February 26, 2006
  102. Touch and Gos - February 22, 2006
  103. Follow Steve Fossett/Global Flyer in Google Earth - February 9, 2006
  104. Pilot World-wide Weather in Google Earth - February 8, 2006
  105. Gliders "Crashing" in Google Earth - February 3, 2006
  106. Flying Car? Not Really - January 23, 2006
  107. 3D Planes for Flight Tracking in Google Earth - January 19, 2006
  108. FBOWeb Flight Tracking Revisited - January 11, 2006
  109. Lancaster Bomber Caught Flying in Google Earth - January 10, 2006
  110. Slick Airfare Tool for Google Earth - December 16, 2005
  111. Planes in Flight in Google Earth (revisited) - December 6, 2005
  112. Near Real-time Flight Tracking in Google Earth - December 2, 2005
  113. The Ubiquitous DC-3 Found in Google Earth - November 23, 2005
  114. UFO Sighting Locations in Google Earth - November 4, 2005
  115. Magnalox - GPS Story Telling for Google Earth - October 19, 2005
  116. Huge Resource of 3D Glider Tracks for Google Earth - October 12, 2005
  117. Categorized African Animals in Google Earth - October 11, 2005
  118. Documenting a Recent Flying Trip - October 9, 2005
  119. Garmin Buys MotionBased - October 4, 2005
  120. Update to Planes in Flight Story - September 23, 2005
  121. Planes in Flight Captured in Google Earth - September 21, 2005
  122. MS Flight Simulator Interface - September 1, 2005
  123. Flying - Keeping a Flight Log - August 5, 2005
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