PCY'S BLOG

Google Earth is a Geographic Information System (GIS). As a GIS, GE associates information with  points, lines and polygons displayed on a map or globe.

It may help to think of Google Earth as another sort of browser, even as a specialized Web browser. Basically, GE uses satellite imagery that’s been stitched together to form an interactive globe. GE also uses its own markup language (KML). The free version of GE lets you view and edit the globe and additional information, provided in the form of layers. You may activate or deactivate individual layers, to change the information that’s displayed on the GE globe.

Google makes one version available for free download, and offers two more powerful levels in commercial versions (require payment). You must download a version of Google Earth, called a “client.” You should understand that the work you do with GE is not published only, unless you publish it. You may save your work with your client, or you may save your files separately. You can even email your files to friends or associates.