Need VGN Map Help: Stewartsville, Roanoke, Ingleside

[NW Mailing List]

Scribit Matteos:

>>> "Great project, Abram. I've built a map of part of the Columbus District, albeit in Google Maps 'my maps. feature. Now I'm curious whether maps built in that feature will show up in my account on Google Earth, or if I'll need to export the kmz from one and import it into the other." <<<


Matteo de Colombo, Excellency --

I know not whereof ye speak, for I know now what "My Maps" be'eth ! Perhaps one of my sons, or grandsons, who "live in the present" can explain that to me.  Me? ... I am only some old clod who hoes turnips and still uses a Telegraph, you know.  Most of what little I know, I have learn't from my kids.

When the VGN Map project is finished, I shall put the file up on Mr. Googlemann's Drive, from whence ye can download it with a click. I have had no problem sharing Google Earth KMZ files this way in the past.

Do not expect a fine-tuned, glistening, show-room product when you get the file. The Google Earth software is indeed a gift to mankind, yet I am far from proficient with it, and my "maps" look bumbling and sophomoric. But something is better than nothing, ain't it ... ?

Tese things being said, I believe you will need to download from Google the freeware called Google Earth. It is a VERY powerful tool, allowing you to do measurements, take elevations, draw your own line or path maps, create a grade profile between two or more points, place notations, and color-code all these entries on the satellite imagery, and it will also calculate for you the square footage or acreage of any geometric figure you draw on the satellite imagery. You can also layer over top of the satellite imagery a portion of a USGS Topo, if you like.  Of course, if someone has already done all these things for you, all you have to do is open the file, scroll left/right, up/down on the screen, and enjoy the view.  And everything is in 3-D !

You will find that moving up from Google Maps to Google Earth is like moving up from a kiddie-car to a real automobile. And it is all free, which warms the cockles of this old Scotsman's heart.

Give me a few days to finish this thing up, and I shall post it.

BTW, Wiki has an article on Google Earth, and there are a number of YouTube videos on it.

Cheers from the Cumberland Valley, which is just the north end of the Great Shenandoah Valley.

                       -- abram burnett
Knight-Commander of the Sublime Order of the Great Flying Turnip