Download and Install Google Earth

Click here to download Google Earth and then click the 'Agree and Download' button on the page to begin.

Browsers:

Microsoft Internet Explorer: allow Google Earth to install itself automatically by selecting 'Run' when prompted. If the download does not begin automatically, click the yellow bar at the top of the window browser window or the 'click here to start it' line in the green box on the center of the page to manually begin downloading.

Mozilla Firefox: click 'Save file" to allow Google Earth to download in the manager window and then click Open' to begin installation.

Apple Safari: allow Google Earth to download itself automatically to your computer's desktop. If installation does not begin automatically, click the new "Google Earth" icon on your desktop to begin installing the program.

Once the download process has been completed and the software installed, you should be able to open the program and begin using Google Earth.
 

Finding Your Way Around

Note: The following steps are only intended to show you how to find an area, mark and describe it, and then e-mail the information to us. If you want to learn more about Google Earth, refer to the User Guide Introduction at http://earth.google.com/intl/en/userguide/v4/#getting_to_know

The first time you Google Earth, the main window features a 3D Viewer panel of the earth and several vertical panels on the left.



In the Search panel at the top left, find the "Fly to" input box and enter the location. The search words can be the nearest city, a well known landmark, a public beach or bay, an address, etc. There should be some suggestions in the lower part of the search panel that may help identify the area you are looking for.


The Layers panel at the bottom left contains check boxes for various detail layers that allow you to overlay streets, labels and other information that can aid in finding locations. Try checking and un-checking these boxes to see the results in real time.


Use the Compass and Navigation controls in the upper right of the 3D Viewer panel to tilt, zoom in or out, and move around your viewpoint. When the mouse cursor is placed over the 3D Viewer panel the cursor becomes a hand tool. Hold the left mouse button down to drag the view in any direction. These tools will help refine the scope and scale of the viewable area. Once you are satisfied you have a usable view of the location, move on to step 3.

 

Mark and Describe the Location

Before you begin, you need to create a folder for your new placemarks. On the Toolbar at the top left of the main window, select Add / Folder from the drop down list to open the 'New Folder' dialog box. Type in a name for your new folder and include a description too if you wish. Click 'OK' and the new folder will be listed in the Places panel below. Make sure this folder has a checked box and is highlighted before you begin creating a placemarks.


Click on the 'Add a Placemark' tool (the Pushpin Icon) in the Tool Bar at the top of the main window to open a Placemark dialog box. A Placemark icon will appear in the 3D Viewer panel. Drag the Placemark icon to the launch site you wish to mark. All the 3D Viewer panel navigation tools are available when the dialog box is open. You can use the hand tool to drag the viewpoint, zoom in and out, etc. if necessary to position the Placemark icon exactly where you want it.  Type a name and description for your new launch site in the dialog box. When you have finished, click 'OK'.


Your launch site will appear in the folder you created in the Places panel. Create as many additional placemarks in your folder as necessary. When you are finished, select 'File / Save' from the tool bar at the top of the main window to save your work.


Note: Please do not add placemarks for launch sites that appear in the list above as we have already included these sites in the project. Since we will need exact longitude and latitude coordinates for each launch site we ask that you submit Placemarks only. Please do not include any Image Overlays, Paths or areas created with the Polygon tool.
 

E-Mail your launch site location data file to the KFACA

Make sure your new folder and placemarks have checked boxes next to them. Click on the 'Email' tool in the Tool Bar at the top of the main window to open the Email dialog box. Highlight the radio button next to "Selected Placemark/Folder" and click 'Email'.


 The 'Select Email Service' dialog box will open. Double click to choose your existing email service.
Note: You must have an existing Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express or Google Gmail email account in order to send an email using Google Earth. If not, you will need to set up an email account before this step can be completed.


Google Earth will launch a new email window using your default account for the email service you selected. There will be a file attachment with the extension .kmz that contains your launch site location data. Enter in the 'To' box and click 'Send'.



Thank you for your participation in the KFACA Kayak Fishing Launch Sites Project.