Cons 127 Observing the Earth from Space
Assignment 1: Introduction to Geospatial Concepts through Google Earth
For this assignment you will…
• Be introduced to the concepts of geospatial concepts such as location, positioning, latitude
and longitude.
• Practice using Google Earth software
• Learn how to navigate the different views within Google Earth
• Understand how distance and datums affect and are related to each other.
Submit your answers in accordance with the posted quiz questions (in CANVAS):
• Answers to questions 1 through 18. Each question is worth 2.5 or 3.5 for a total of 50.
• Any screenshots or supplemental attachments in the specific question instructed.
• If you have questions, try your discussion board first. Collaboration with your classmates is
encouraged! Please feel free to email your TA otherwise !&
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This Assignment requires an internet connection and Google Earth software. You have
two options available: 1) You can use the CHROME WEB BROWSER and go to
https://earth.google.com/web/ OR 2) You can download the software for either Mac or PC
from https://earth.google.com. There is no Assignment data for this Assignment. It’s all
stored on Google’s servers or comes included with the software. The things you do in this
Assignment might seem pretty simple, but they help to lay the foundations for the skills
needed to use geospatial software, ask geospatial questions, and get everybody on the
same page.
1
, 1. Open Chrome web browser and navigate to https://earth.google.com/web/
2. In the bottom left corner of the screen, click the layers button and then select “Everything” , also ensure
that the 3D buildings toggle is set to on.
3. Using the search function, found in the top left of the screen as a magnifying glass. Type “Vancouver,
BC, Canada” into the search box at the top of the sidebar and click search or hit enter.
4. Move your cursor to the bottom right corner of the screen. You will see several small circular icons
(Figure 1), each representing different viewing tools in Google Earth. These typically include icons for
'Street View' (a small person symbol), '3D View', 'Compass orientation', and possibly others depending on
your version. Use these tools to adjust how you explore the map. For example, to change the viewing
angle or compass direction, you can also use the middle mouse button or double-click and hold with the
left mouse button to pan around the scene.
5. In the bottom right corner of the screen, click on the “Person” icon—this activates Street View. Areas
where Street View is available will light up in blue. Simply click on any of these blue areas to enter Street
View for that location. If you click on a location that is not highlighted in blue, Google Earth will instead
enter Ground-Level View. This view keeps the camera close to the ground but displays standard 3D map
imagery rather than the photographic Street View.
Note: When using Street View, navigation arrows will appear to help you move through the imagery. You
can switch between 2D and 3D modes using the circular button in the bottom right—whichever mode you
are currently in, the button will show the option to switch to the other.
2
Assignment 1: Introduction to Geospatial Concepts through Google Earth
For this assignment you will…
• Be introduced to the concepts of geospatial concepts such as location, positioning, latitude
and longitude.
• Practice using Google Earth software
• Learn how to navigate the different views within Google Earth
• Understand how distance and datums affect and are related to each other.
Submit your answers in accordance with the posted quiz questions (in CANVAS):
• Answers to questions 1 through 18. Each question is worth 2.5 or 3.5 for a total of 50.
• Any screenshots or supplemental attachments in the specific question instructed.
• If you have questions, try your discussion board first. Collaboration with your classmates is
encouraged! Please feel free to email your TA otherwise !&
%
$
#
"
This Assignment requires an internet connection and Google Earth software. You have
two options available: 1) You can use the CHROME WEB BROWSER and go to
https://earth.google.com/web/ OR 2) You can download the software for either Mac or PC
from https://earth.google.com. There is no Assignment data for this Assignment. It’s all
stored on Google’s servers or comes included with the software. The things you do in this
Assignment might seem pretty simple, but they help to lay the foundations for the skills
needed to use geospatial software, ask geospatial questions, and get everybody on the
same page.
1
, 1. Open Chrome web browser and navigate to https://earth.google.com/web/
2. In the bottom left corner of the screen, click the layers button and then select “Everything” , also ensure
that the 3D buildings toggle is set to on.
3. Using the search function, found in the top left of the screen as a magnifying glass. Type “Vancouver,
BC, Canada” into the search box at the top of the sidebar and click search or hit enter.
4. Move your cursor to the bottom right corner of the screen. You will see several small circular icons
(Figure 1), each representing different viewing tools in Google Earth. These typically include icons for
'Street View' (a small person symbol), '3D View', 'Compass orientation', and possibly others depending on
your version. Use these tools to adjust how you explore the map. For example, to change the viewing
angle or compass direction, you can also use the middle mouse button or double-click and hold with the
left mouse button to pan around the scene.
5. In the bottom right corner of the screen, click on the “Person” icon—this activates Street View. Areas
where Street View is available will light up in blue. Simply click on any of these blue areas to enter Street
View for that location. If you click on a location that is not highlighted in blue, Google Earth will instead
enter Ground-Level View. This view keeps the camera close to the ground but displays standard 3D map
imagery rather than the photographic Street View.
Note: When using Street View, navigation arrows will appear to help you move through the imagery. You
can switch between 2D and 3D modes using the circular button in the bottom right—whichever mode you
are currently in, the button will show the option to switch to the other.
2
