Getting Started with Google Earth

Note: Google Earth looks rather different now (Feb 2008) compared to when I produced this page in 2006. Although the screenshots are out of date the general idea still works, so you should manage OK if you work it through.

Step 1 - Launch

If you haven't done so already, download Google Earth® and install it on your computer. Right-click this link to download and save the Schwarzwald trip report file.

With Google Earth installed on your computer and the file schwarz06.kml downloaded and saved, double-click schwarz06.kml to launch the file in the Google Earth browser. Your screen should look something like this --

Step 2 - Set up screen

In the Layers box, uncheck everything except "terrain". Do the same in the control console below the earth image. I also suggest you make the Layers frame as short as possible by dragging its top edge downwards, and depending on your screen size, make the earth image frame bigger by dragging its left edge further to the left. Finally, click the arrowhead next to "Schwarzwald" to open the folder and show all the placemarks. If the placemarks are unchecked, check them all.

Your screen should now look something like this --

Step 3 - Fly-over

You can fly over the route visiting each placemark in turn, by clicking the forward arrow. Pause the tour any time by clicking the Pause symbol (double bar), stop by clicking the Stop symbol (square). The fly-over will only visit checked placemarks.

Step 4 - Places, descriptions and photos

In the list of placemarks in the "Schwarzwald" folder, entries in black are simple placemarks. Double-clicking on one will take you to that point. Entries in blue have extra information, including thumbnail pictures and the written trip report. A single click will bring up a box with the information: a double-click will show the box and take you to that point. Give it a try!

Standards compliant website built by
R-networks.co.uk