Google Earth

Before this assignment, I only used Google Earth for two things: locating my house to see what it looked like from space and looking at the earth’s surface for a science class where we studied erosion and natural changes to the terrain. I had no idea that I could create a map in Google Maps and then merge it into Google Earth to create a unique map for whatever I choose.  The map in Google Earth ends up in a KML file for others to explore. The KML file, otherwise known as Keyhole Markup Language, is a format that shows geographic data much like an HTML file shows documents and spreadsheets online. The way I understand it is that the KML file compresses information from Google Maps and then transforms it into something different in Google Earth. At least that is my understanding.

The KML file is useful because you can see so much more in Google Earth than in Google Maps and you can interact with the map. In Google maps you see a flat map, but in Google Earth, the KML formatting allows the viewer to see more geographical data in 3D and there are tools to make the map user friendly and interactive. Some of the tools in Google Earth include adding editing marks, polygon shapes, specific paths and even imagery overlays.  I think Google Earth is also helpful in comparing and contrasting the area from a previous time frame.  The image can display what the area looks like today, but it can also go back a few months and show what the terrain looked like previously.  There are so many things that Google Earth can be used for when using the KML format. What a great tool to use for exploring maps in detail!

Click here to see my Google Earth map .Google Earth KML Map.

 

In addition to the map features of Google Earth, there are also many ideas for teachers under the online resource Google Earth for Educators. Within this resource are many ideas to use in the classroom to incorporate digital media. I found a lesson plan titled Historical Novel and it can be used for Language Arts & Social Studies to explore literature that ties into historical places, people or events. I like this lesson plan because it relates to the map I created for the Google Map assignment where I marked historical places in Jefferson County, WV. Students can first use literature to learn about historical places, people or events, and then locate those places using Google Maps and Google Earth. This would be a fun activity to plot historical places and then tell a story based on the readings and knowledge gained by retracing the steps of certain events through the use of online mapping. I think plotting historical events on a map can give a visual of locations, terrain and other features that will enhance the understanding that a student may have about events that took place long ago.

Given that this assignment includes exploration of maps and creates an interactive map assignment for students to explore, this activity complies with the ISTE.NETS.T standard number one, Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity. By giving the students an opportunity to explore Google Earth, it allows the students to be creative and experience digital learning first hand.