GoogleEarth -- Engadget

GoogleEarth posts

NYC, Google join forces for high-tech tourist center

by Ross Miller, posted Jan 27th 2009 at 6:14AM

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg unveiled this week a new information center, located at 53rd St. and 7th Ave., where visitors can browse the metropolis on Google Maps-powered interactive tables. Places of interest are saved via "You are here" coasters, which can then be used to print itineraries or carried over to wall-mounted screens for a virtual tour, care of Google Earth. Designed by WXY Architecture and Urban Design Local Projects, we can't shake the thought of the center looking like a drab Apple store. And though they may be reminiscent of Microsoft Surface, a rep tells CNET the tables are custom-made for the exhibit. Check out video of the wayfarer hot spot after the break.

[Via CNET; thanks, Aaron K.]

Continue reading NYC, Google join forces for high-tech tourist center

DIYer uses mountain bike to pedal around Google Earth

by Darren Murph, posted May 19th 2008 at 10:39PM

Not quite sure what's up with the recent influx of bicycle-related DIY jobs, but nevertheless, we've another one on our hands here with Mike's Flying Bike. Essentially, Mike utilized a SunSPOT as well as a plethora of other sensors in order to modify his mountain bike for use as a Google Earth controller. In ET-like fashion, he's now able to pedal around various locations in the world, simultaneously burning through excess calories, opening his mind to new locales and monumentally inflating his ego. If you've got seven minutes to spare, you can check this thing out in action just beyond the break.

[Via Google Earth Blog, thanks Roger]

Continue reading DIYer uses mountain bike to pedal around Google Earth

SiRF toots its own horn, readies location-enabling features for Android

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 17th 2007 at 8:59PM

It's not like we weren't already aware of SiRF's participation in the Open Handset Alliance, but nevertheless, the company is sounding pretty ecstatic about the software developer kit it "just received." Reportedly, the outfit is already hard at work on "end-to-end location-enabling features" for Android, and in case you couldn't guess, it's also providing Android platform support for a plethora of products based on its famed SiRFstarIII architecture. Essentially, the firm is hoping to take advantage of having location as a "native feature" within Android, and it makes the obvious sound a whole lot more intriguing by teasing us with visions of "out-of-the-box locative experiences" involving geo-tagging, geo-searching and social networking. Still, we'll tip our hat to any form of tight integration, but this here's probably nothing to get riled up over.

Panoramic GigaPan images to hit Google Earth

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 28th 2007 at 10:31AM

Remember that GigaPan camera system from earlier this year? The one that made taking ridiculously large panoramic shots -- like the one of Dublin Castle above -- a lesson in simplicity? Yeah, well that very system is now being used to add detailed, wide-angle images to Google Earth thanks to collaboration between the search giant and Carnegie Mellon University. Additionally, we've now learned that Charmed Labs in Austin, TX will be manufacturing the mechanical devices and selling them for $300 apiece. But before the public gets their hands on 'em, the firm is producing 300 systems "for people who will provide them with feedback." Ah, the perfect excuse for a new widescreen monitor, no?

[Thanks, David]

Google Earth gets assisted by new satellite

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 17th 2007 at 5:15AM

Sure, you may be able to waste hours on end controlling Google Earth imagery with your Wiimote, but you can plan on killing days -- nay, months -- after a brand new "high-resolution satellite" launches on Tuesday in an attempt to "boost the accuracy of its satellite images and flesh out its archive." The new craft, labeled WorldView I, will team up with DigitalGlobe's existing Quickbird sat to nab "over 600,000 square kilometers of imagery each day," and it should also "provide far more accurate data." Those still sitting around with gaped jaws can even head to Boeing's website to watch the launch live, and if all goes as planned, WorldView II should join the ever-growing party in late 2008.

Super Trackstick covertly logs joyrides

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 11th 2007 at 1:04AM

Gizmos such as the Super Trackstick have been around for a tick, but the newest creation from Telespial Systems makes logging those late night trips to wherever a lesson in simplicity. This diminutive device touts 4MB of built-in storage for tracking "weeks or even months of travel histories," including records of the "exact routes, stop times, speed and direction, and other valuable information." Additionally, the GPS-equipped device gets powered from just two AAA cells (which last about a month), and users can expect the Google Earth integration to make for some pretty precise results. All of the data tracked can be easily uploaded to your PC via the built-in USB 2.0 connector, and while we're not exactly sure it's worth the $274.98 asking price, be sure and check out the promo video after the break.

[Via The Raw Feed]

Continue reading Super Trackstick covertly logs joyrides

QSTARZ BT-Q1000 GPS data logger syncs with Google Earth

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 15th 2007 at 10:40PM

QSTARZ is taking its familiarity with GPS receivers and integrating a data logger to form the newfangled BT-Q1000. This two-faced device doubles as a Bluetooth GPS receiver to navigate your course and allows you to "record your routes" in order to plot points on Google Earth and disseminate the map to your envious pals. Moreover, you can use the device to more accurately tag where your travel photos were snapped along the way, and if you're in the fleet management biz, this here tool can keep your motorists from straying too far off the beaten path. Designed to last a whopping 32-hours without a recharge, the BT-Q1000 can make your next journey a whole lot more memorable for $119 when it lands later this month.

GlobalSat launches Google-friendly GPS data logger

by Omar McFarlane, posted Dec 21st 2006 at 7:57PM

We enjoyed our run with the Nike+iPod, but it was a one trick pony. On the other hand, who wants to carry around something like the LOOX N100 when you just want to track coordinates? If there was only a simple GPS data logger -- something that could monitor our speed, altitude, location, perhaps even at defined intervals; throw in a built-in USB cable and the ability to run on regular batteries, and we'd have a winner. Well the GlobalSat DG-100 offers all these qualities plus the ability to export all that data goodness into a format readable by Google Earth and Google Maps. Granted it won't play nice with our iPods, but at least we can also use it as a GPS receiver to help us find the social. Currently it is available for pre-order, but we've got zero info on availability or price.

[Via Navigadget]

Wiimote control for Google Earth

by Donald Melanson, posted Dec 13th 2006 at 12:50PM

If air drumming or imaginary light sabers aren't your thing, then perhaps the familiar territory of Google Earth will be enough to get you to pull your Wiimote away from Zelda long enough to run a few scripts on your PC. There's nothing too complicated going on here, with just the requisite GlovePIE software (the Wiimote's new best friend) and the Google Earth script written by the star of today's video, J. Coulston, needed to take the world in your hands. Once you've got that up and running, you'll be able to impress your friends and navigate the globe with the flip of your wrist. Just don't get too excited when you spot your neighborhood. You know what can happen.

[Thanks, Jesse E.]

Continue reading Wiimote control for Google Earth

GlobalSat TR-101 GPS phone for easily misplaced children

by Paul Miller, posted Jun 20th 2006 at 5:31PM

Thanks GlobalSat, we we're starting to think the worrying-parent market was drying up a bit. After that first wave of GPS kiddie phones hit, the feature set has been slowly sinking into the everyphone, which doesn't allow for that special self-importance that comes to a child owner of a stripped-down tracking phone. The TR-101 allows for calls to 3 preset numbers, and sends location data via SMS or over the Internet. It uses a full-on SiRF Star III chipset, and can be remote controlled via other phones or through Online software. There's also an SOS button for emergencies, Google Earth integration for visualisation, and quad-band GSM support to keep track of the little bugger all over the globe. No word on price or availability.