Wayfarer on paddling and photography

The latest version of Google Earth is being released in the beta form. They have added several new features including a new, simpler user interface and more very high resolution data.

Good news for non-Windows users too: Google is simultaneously making available versions for Mac OS X and several popular Linux distributions. They've also developed international versions available in French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

I believe that Google Earth can be a great tool in reporting and exchanging data from paddling trips or races. I have started to use it together with GPS tracks to illustrate my paddling during the WaterTribe Ultimate Florida Challenge (UFC) 2006:

• Comparison of my GPS tracks from the Everglades Challenge 2004 and Everglades Stage of UFC: 54 miles in circles on Florida Bay
• Cross Florida paddling during the UFC from Ft Clinch to Cedar Key

All three tracks are available for downloading in the Google Earth format. You can download them, and then display, zoom, tilt, rotate, and analyze on your computer. I am going to report more of my paddling trips and other outdoor activities in a similar way.

I am using a free version of Google Earth that doesn't allow one to display GPS data. However, my Garmin MapSource has a view option for Google Earth and it works with the free Google just fine.

In addition to Google Earth I am also using Google Maps API (Application Programming Interface) to build online maps for my paddling purposes. Waypoints in both Google Earth and Maps can be linked to additional information or pictures.

Related posts:

• Kayak and Canoe Paddling in Northern Colorado and Vicinity (UT, WY, NE)
• Wayfarer trip index
• Wayfarer's Paddling Destinations: Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs - map
• Dismal River, NE - map