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The amazing things about Google Earth


Astronaut Mode For Google Earth

This is just too cool! Someone photoshopped a NASA astronaut photo and created a screen overlay in Google Earth that just makes browsing the Earth a lot of fun! The photo is a little weird to look at because it shows the astronaut’s reflecting helmet mask with his arms seen out front. But, the fun part is imagining yourself as an astronaut flying around in Google Earth. The mode gives the same sensation whether you use it in Google Sky mode, or in Google Earth mode. Download the astronaut overlay here (577 KBytes). Choose whether you want Sky or Earth mode (you must be using GE 4.2 or greater). The file was posted at the Google Earth Community. This is truly amazing – check it out!

NOTE: to turn off the astronaut, simply look in the Temporary Places folder in your Places pane for “SpaceSuit” and turn it off.

By the way, the astronaut also works well with the Google Earth flight simulator mode, or even better if you use the SpaceNavigator (the 3D mouse I use every day with Google Earth). A couple tips on creating screen overlays: KML documentation, or a free application on making them by FreeGeographyTools.

About Frank Taylor

Frank Taylor started the Google Earth Blog in July, 2005 shortly after Google Earth was first released. He has worked with 3D computer graphics and VR for many years and was very impressed with this exciting product. Frank completed a 5.5 year circumnavigation of the earth by sailboat in June 2015 which you can read about at Tahina Expedition, and is a licensed pilot, backpacker, diver, and photographer.

Reader Interactions






PLEASE NOTE: Google Earth Blog is no longer writing regular posts. As a result, we are not accepting new comments or questions about Google Earth. If you have a question, use the official Google Earth and Maps Forums or the Google Earth Community Forums.

Comments

  4. Navneeth says

    imagine falling out of a space ship and landing at my house
    That’s so amazing!
    Thanks for the link, Frank.

  6. Creative Genius says

    Try this: Use the astronaut vew on the flight sim in marte. Use the SR22 at low velocity at +/- 18 km from the grownd and make rowtations. Its fun!!!

  8. DICK says

    this is just dumb… if it was a reflection everything would be backwards and it isnt… nice try but it makes you look stupid



PLEASE NOTE: Google Earth Blog is no longer writing regular posts. As a result, we are not accepting new comments or questions about Google Earth. If you have a question, use the official Google Earth and Maps Forums or the Google Earth Community Forums.