Does anyone on this forum use GPS with Google Earth on their laptop?

RJW

I have tried it out .. Google Earth v5.0 and GooPS with a couple of different GPS receivers.

...ken...

I'd like to try it but it doesn't seem to work with 'Google Earth 5 portable'. (An unofficial bloatware free install made by some 3rd party.) No way I'll ever go through googles garbage to install Google Earth again...

Hi sse,

Could you elaborate? I've installed Google Earth on four computers now, including my little Acer Aspire netbook, and I don't recall anything I would classify as "google garbage". I'm genuinely curious what it is that has ticked you off.

...ken...

When you download Google Earth do you download google earth or do you download an installer?

Ok...when you run the installer do you ONLY get google earth or do you also get an UPDATER (not by choice) and Google Chrome if you weren't careful with your selection?

When you restart your computer do you have Google Updater running in the background eating up system processes?

Sorry but Google Earth has become bloatware. At one time you could directly download google earth and nothing else. Not anymore. At least not from google.

With Google Earth Portable I have
-A Google Earth Executable
-A folder to keep kml/temp files in called "thinstall"

Is there really a need for anything else? I think not. Computers are getting faster, or at least they would be if software makers would stop slowing them down. I dont need Java, Google Updater, Acrobat, Quicktime, OR ANYTHING ELSE running in the background when I start my computer! Can you understand why I get peeved? People are usually pleased at how much faster their computers boot up and run after I've gone through and cleaned junk apps like that out of them.

Do you need internet access to be able to run Goggle Earth?

I just purchased the Qstarz BT-Q1000X Bluetooth GPS and wonder how it would work when i'm on the road.

Thanks

You do need internet access but GE stores the recently viewed data in a cache which can be viewed later without internet. I use mine off road so before the trip I scan and save to a named file or multiple files. That way I can bring them up as I need them.

RJW

Can you only retrieve exactly the same resolution as you scanned at?

Glenn

Yes, do a manual scan of where you want to go at the resolution you want to see. I use the "Directions" tab then run the play button to scan my track. See the links.

Using The Google Earth Cache ? Basics | Free Geography Tools

Manually Caching Google Earth Data | Free Geography Tools

RJW

RJW
I hadn't seen that site before. Looks like it has a wealth of info. Going to have to give it a good look over.
Glenn

Careful Glenn, it can turn into an obsession, I am speaking from experience.

RJW

Thanks for sharing. A wealth of info.

Yes, via RouteConverter as downloaded. It will take any GPS file it can work with, and that includes many differerent flavours, and show them via Google Maps, as well as produce a file that works in Google Earth, or a file that can be loaded in a different GPS, and so forth.

This is the site that really got me interested in Google Earth as a navigation tool.

GooPs

RJW

Some folks are concerned about the "garbage" that comes with Google Earth. I've used it only sparingly but I've also noticed that there are ways to "opt out" of most of those items you don't want.

A lot of different programs take baggage with them with they try to install. Most give a way go avoid that baggage, however.

Google Earth is one of the least offensive freeware programs around. It's really obvious about the opt-ins; there aren't many and they're dead simple to avoid. Add the free GooPS utility and it works quite well with a GPS receiver if you have viewed the relevant map sections beforehand or have a broadband connection.

...ken...

I'm about to try out this combo, I'll let you all know how I get on.