Viewing aerial photographs on the internet has become very popular thanks to Google Earth. This amazing programme has been developed in lots of different ways and if you haven’t downloaded the free programme at http://earth.google.com then I thoroughly recommend that you do.
For those involved in any aspect of the Clipper Race this is an ideal way to study the various ports and marinas. When the details of the race route are announced I will make sure information is available so that people can study the various marinas. If you have downloaded Google Earth use the search ‘Fly to’ tool and enter the following position: 29 51’46.56”S 31 01’17.24”E If you have entered this correctly it should take you to the Point Yacht Club in Durban near where the yachts will be berthed. (For interest this is one of my favourite clubs as they have made me an Honorary member!)
There are several other similar programmes to Google Earth. This is important as one of the restrictions you will find is that the aerial photographs tend to be fairly old. If you go to http://www.flashearth.com you will find you get to a site that combines several of these programmes. Rather like comparing lap tops or car insurance, you can click from one programme to another. The collage above shows three different images of the dome. Note that they are all historic, all taken on different dates and also at different times of the day (look at the shadows on the Dome’s towers).
Another good example is Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth Harbours which Microsoft VE shows as a building site whereas Google Earth shows it built and operating. Go across the harbour to the Clipper Offices at Royal Clarence yard and none of the programmes show the marina.
If anyone would like to forward more useful tips on this subject, or other clever web sites, I would love to post them up.
For those involved in any aspect of the Clipper Race this is an ideal way to study the various ports and marinas. When the details of the race route are announced I will make sure information is available so that people can study the various marinas. If you have downloaded Google Earth use the search ‘Fly to’ tool and enter the following position: 29 51’46.56”S 31 01’17.24”E If you have entered this correctly it should take you to the Point Yacht Club in Durban near where the yachts will be berthed. (For interest this is one of my favourite clubs as they have made me an Honorary member!)
There are several other similar programmes to Google Earth. This is important as one of the restrictions you will find is that the aerial photographs tend to be fairly old. If you go to http://www.flashearth.com you will find you get to a site that combines several of these programmes. Rather like comparing lap tops or car insurance, you can click from one programme to another. The collage above shows three different images of the dome. Note that they are all historic, all taken on different dates and also at different times of the day (look at the shadows on the Dome’s towers).
Another good example is Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth Harbours which Microsoft VE shows as a building site whereas Google Earth shows it built and operating. Go across the harbour to the Clipper Offices at Royal Clarence yard and none of the programmes show the marina.
If anyone would like to forward more useful tips on this subject, or other clever web sites, I would love to post them up.
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