google earth for hiking

[James S]

just wondering if any other members have used google earth as another tool for hiking?

i've always had google earth but i've never thought of using it for hiking until recently. now that i've got a jeep i've been exploring the 4 wheel drive forest access roads. it dawned on me to try and find one that i recently explored on google earth. it turned out to be really neat, i could see the path of the road and how it went thru the mountains in 3d etc. using that location as a starting point i tried to find some of the other trails i've hiked. i was amazed at how many i found. nice to see how they hooked up etc. this gave me a bigger picture of the area rather than a localized view of just one trail. as a added bonus i saw that a idaho trail guide book author even uploaded some of the pictures he took and embedded them in google earth. that's really cool ! i will definitely be consulting google earth now before hiking or driving some where and maybe even embedding some of the pictures i've taken. will still bring my topo maps. granted it wouldn't be much use on hikes that go thru a heavy forest canopy but in other areas i could see this being an effective planning tool. has anyone else tried this ? what does everyone think ?

[Tobin]

yes i have before.

[Random Walker]

Yes, too much fun!.
Using mapping software I will highlight my route then uploaded it into Google Earth.
I have attached a file (*.kmz) to this post.
If one dloads it to their desktop then clicks on it, it will open up Google Earth (supposing you have it loaded onto your computer) and fly right to it, from there it is fun to play with!

[James S]

tried this. very cool ! thanks

[Katana Guttman]

I haven't tried it, but I think I will. This sounds really cool!

[JAPIE AND SANDRA OOSTHUIZEN]

YES,I FOLLOW THE TRAIL FROM GREYTON TO MCGREGOR(BOESMANSKLOOFHIKINGTRAIL/THE GALG) ALL THE WAY WITH GOOGLE EARTH TO HAVE SOMETHING IN MIND FOR THE HIKERS AND TO POST THEM SOME PICS.I LIVE ON THE MCGREGOR SIDE OF THE TRAIL AND THEY HIKE FROM GREYTON.

[Ata]

To be honest I had never use it for that before but I think I will start from now. The thing is that in south FL I had done about every single trail, not too many places down here that I don’t know I wish I can find a new trail.

If anyone would like to help me, I will me most grateful

Thank you!

[David Willette]

Absofrickenlutely! ;)
Hold down the right mouse button and drag down to see the topo from more of a hikers viewpoint and follow your favorite trail or prepare for your next excursion ....it really is the best thing since sliced bread for trip planning.