New on Google maps:  Earth View

Google maps just keeps adding features that make it more and more useful for outdoor recreation.  A year or two ago it was Terrain view, allowing you to see contours.  Now, the best 3-D, fly-through features of Google Earth have been seamlessly merged with Google maps, allowing you to see satellite imagery draped over a 3-D terrain model.  That’s map-geek speak for AMAZING!

The useful Terrain view feature that shows contour lines is still there, one click away under the ‘More” drop down menu.  More on Terrain View

Reminder:  every peak the Mazamas climb had it’s own Route Description on the Mazamas web site member pages, and each description has a link to a Google map.  Now when you click this Google map of the peak, you can do a 3-D fly through of the surrounding area.  Researching routes has never been easier!

Use free screen grabber software to copy and paste an image, so you can print it and take it with you on your hike or climb.  My personal favorite is Jing. http://www.jingproject.com/

Here are some Google maps screen shots of Mt. St Helens.

Map view:  pretty useless!

Satellite view:  maybe fun to look at, but also pretty useless for navigation

Terrain view:  Now we’re talking.  Contours can help with your actual navigation

Earth view:  Zoom, pan, flyover, view the terrain from any vantage point you like, NICE!