Getting Around Google Earth Limitations

As mentioned in a previous post, not all areas are available in high-res format with Google Earth.  However, there is a system called GIS mapping that is being implemented in many areas that allows for much higher res images.  The first example below is a shot from Wisconsin's Door County GIS mapping service.  The second shot is the same area from Google Earth.

Do a Google search for state, county, & GIS mapping to see if the service is available for the area you are interested in.

Thanks, that's most useful. Following your advice on GIS, I found this GIS service:
http://www.journalofmaps.com
Registration is free.

As mentioned in a previous post, not all areas are available in high-res format with Google Earth.  However, there is a system called GIS mapping that is being implemented in many areas that allows for much higher res images.  The first example below is a shot from Wisconsin's Door County GIS mapping service.  The second shot is the same area from Google Earth.

Do a Google search for state, county, & GIS mapping to see if the service is available for the area you are interested in.

Here is what looks like a great aerial photo program for PA:

http://www.pennpilot.psu.edu/

Hope this helps!   

Most of the time, it's the individual counties that have the aerial photos. I'd say most counties have them, but only some have them on line as a GIS system. As you can imagine, that doesn't happen for free. Sometimes larger sities have a GIS system with better resolution. It's always good to check.

Another benefit of GIS mapping is that parcel info can be clicked up; that is, owner's name and address, legal description, taxes paid, etc.

There's only a few software programs to run, and none of them are too bad since they're designed for the general public, not just specialists like me.

A typical resolution for a county these days is 1 foot. That's pretty good. Frankly, I wish Google Earth would get ahold of those photos and use them over the crummy color jobs they run. They're virtually useless.

I use Penn Pilot all the time. Great research tool for PA. Doesn't do Philly though

Brian

Here is what looks like a great aerial photo program for PA:

http://www.pennpilot.psu.edu/

Hope this helps!   

Thanks, Great site.  I just was exploring it.  I showed my dad the house and the area that he grew up in.  He was born in 1931 and the photos were from 1939.  He loved it. 

Try http://www.maps.live.com.  Find the location and click on BIRDS EYE VIEW.  You can zoom in, and pan around for different elevation views.

Nothing gives better views.

Try http://www.maps.live.com.  Find the location and click on BIRDS EYE VIEW.  You can zoom in, and pan around for different elevation views.

Nothing gives better views.

 Is there a way to get GPS coordinates on a spot with this? I can place a "pushpin" to mark a spot, but I need the coordinates.

 Is there a way to get GPS coordinates on a spot with this? I can place a "pushpin" to mark a spot, but I need the coordinates.

Google Earth is still the best tool in my area for this.  The images are very good, although they recently updated the pictures with summer views.  The foliage has blocked quite a bit of the views .

If GE isn't working for you, then check out http://www.terraserver.microsoft.com  for ariel views and topographic maps.  I cut the topos (you can use the "Print Screen" button for this if you dont have a capture program), and then I use the ADD IMAGE OVERLAY feature in GE, then I add my pushpins.  Maybe your GE images are at least clear enough to line up clear topo overlays.

If you are in the Northeast you can do the overlay using historic topgraphic maps available here:  http://historical.mytopo.com/index....?CFID=10568522&CFTOKEN=11502997.