GPS Tracks for Google Earth

GPS Tracks are actual routes driven as saved by a GPS in real time (the blue line). I have reduced the number of GPS coordinates in the tracks to reduce the file size, and this results in some short straight line sections that might otherwise be curved, but otherwise it is an accurate route. On top of the track I have inserted some links (the round dots) with text or photos that relate to the current location; left click on the dot, then left click on the photo link.

Save the GPS track to your computer, open Google Earth and either drag the GPS track (which has a file name extension of  ".KMZ") on to the Google Earth Screen or use Google Earth's "File, Open" choice to import the KMZ file.

Also it may help if you check the option to "Show web results in external browser" in Google Earth "Tools, Options, General, Display." This will open pictures in a separate browser instead of the bottom half of the GE window.

While it is great to see the track looking straight down from above, I find it the most interesting when the landscape is tilted and aligned with the route so it appears that you are flying over the landscape. The center mouse button, when held down, allows the landscape to be tilted and rotated as you move. There are also other controls visible when the mouse is in the upper right corner. Don't zoom in so close that the image degrades, but find a happy distance where it looks good but you can see the road or trail.

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