Google Earth as an Incident Resource

[Eclipse]

We used it back in Sept/Oct during the search for the missing MTSU student flying between somewhere in AL back up to Murfreesboro, TN. I found it really helpful as a mission observer, because we'd get witness reports from people walking up to the mission base. We could pull up google earth, they could see where they were, and point to there general area where they thought they saw something go down. We could see some visual references to the area (houses, some developments, major roads) and it would make our search a little easier.

Although the find was made in Alabama, I think google earth worked pretty well for what we were trying to accomplish. Looking at a map is one thing, looking at an actual layout of the earth, where you can see specific houses, roads, etc made it quite a bit easier to visualize in the air.

Has CAP ever used something like this at Mission base for use on a plotting board?

Yes, I used it as GBD for the practice ILWG eval last year, and intend to do the same this year down in Marion.  It works surprisingly well even over GPRS, as long as you are patient.

[SarDragon]

I'd suggest trying to use a better photo platform than GE.  Except in urban areas it doesn't have the level of detail needed for most CAP missions.  Yahoo maps or terraserver might be better. 

The GE photos are improving all the time. I have seen updates in resolution on some areas in CA over the last year, and anticipate more in the future in other areas. As for Yahoo! Maps and Terraserver, the resolution varies there, too, and many areas seem to have older views than GE.

YMMV.

[connelly]

I use Google maps when i have internet access and use microsoft streets and atlas when there is none but google earth is verry inaccurate in small areas like were ELTs usualy tend to go off. But google has the pro version that is updated more often but it costs money.

[swilliams]

as has been previously stated - GE alone should not be used for ground search, door-to-door search, or (obviously) ground nav. It could very easily be used for GBD, Incident HQ, and overview type work. With the addition of the forthcoming CAP overlays, the usability of GE should be greatly enhanced.

[LtCol Hooligan]

I have had good luck with http://local.live.com/ from Microsoft.  The direction portion is still being developed but the imagery is great and really helps to get a good visual look at an area.  It gives a team something to go off of before they start out.  Streets and Trips is going to be better, though, if you are looking for directions in the field.  Otherwise, Delorme ( http://www.delorme.com/ ) also has a nice mapping program and you can get great rural details with it.