InternetSAR.org
Volunteers collaboratively analyzing aerial and satellite imagery to assist in search and rescue efforts.
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General Overview
Tutorials
- Google Earth Settings
- Initial Observers: Using InternetSAR.org and Google Earth
Tutorial: Google Earth Configurations and Troubleshooting
The following configuration suggestions are intended to make the use of Google Earth easier while reviewing imagery and to reduce issues.
Disable "Compress" Under "Texture Color"
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Uncheck the "Compress" option under "Texture Colors" in Google Earth Options then restart Google Earth. This option MUST be disabled when reviewing aerial imagery because it can introduce computer caused artifacts in imagery.
Turn Off 3D Terrain Layer
The 3D terrain feature in Google Earth should be turned off because it can exasperate alignment issues with imagery and prevent you from reviewing imagery from the correct eye altitude.
To turn off the 3D terrain layer, first expand the list of layers by clicking on the black arrow next to "Layers" located at the bottom of the left hand side bar in Google Earth. Then make sure that the check box to the left of "Terrain" is not checked.
Open Google Earth Options
The next two Google Earth configuration changes are made in the "Options" dialog box. To open the "Options" dialog box, click on "Tools" on the Google Earth menu bar at the top, and then click on "Options" at the bottom of the drop-down list.
Convert Coordinates to Decimal Degrees
Google Earth can display coordinates in decimal degrees, DMS (degree minutes seconds), degrees decimal minutes, or UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator). While our systems can handle coordinates in either decimal degrees or DMS (we do not support UTM), we have found that setting Google Earth to decimal degrees reduces problems caused by incorrectly formatted DMS coordinates. To set Google Earth to decimal degrees, in the "3D View" tab, under ""Show Lat/Long," select "Decimal Degrees."
If Google Earth Crashes, Use Safe Mode
Google Earth sometimes does not work well on some computers and can cause computers to lock up. To prevent this problem, we recommend setting Google Earth to safe mode. On the "3D View" tab, under "Graphics Mode," check "Use safe mode."
