Reminder: Google Earth flight simulator

Skybird · 05-01-17, 07:26 AM

It has been many years since I tried this one last time. Must have been when it was first released. Back then, i had no fast enough internet or GE was lacking the function of displaying not only 3D-modelled earth surface, but also real 3D buildings in so many prominent areas, cities, metropoles.

I now tried it again after so many years, and on my Linux laptop. What should I say? I am stunned at how well this now works! To me, Google Earth always has been the - by far - most interesting and positive thing Google ever did, even before their search engine, even more so since Earth does so little, compared to other Google software, to spy on you. I now have real speeds of around 11-12 MB/sec with my temporary internet connection, and the textures get loaded fast enough to really add meat, skin and bones to the flight "sim".

The flightsimulator covers just the very basics and allows unrealstic stuff, if you push for that, it cannot replace a real flight simualtor. But it looses speed when you climb, and drops when you turn, such basic stuff. It is not meant to be a mission-based game, but another way to approach and experience the stunning 3D environment that Google Earth allows you discover.

For Germans interesting: since w ehave only the 20 largets cities in Germany covered by Google Street View, you can use the 3D scenery (where available) as a surrogate by zooming in to the maximum. It is not Street view, and the 3D modelling is quite roigh around the edges, still, comparing real world places I know with the 3D scenery, the latter catches the generla feeling and looks of the place wite well.

Very nice toys, not new, but newly re-discovered - and now rally making sense. Try it if you haven't checked it for the past years.

The 3D box needs to be ticked, of course. I also recommend to use the slower propeller aircraft, the fight jet is so fast that the textures over regions with many buildings and houses will not get loaded in time and so the looks will remain somewhat washed-out (maybe not a problem for people having much faster internet connections than I do). If you travel with the slower aircraft at speeds around 100-120kn, it is not a problem, usually, not even in the densely-build areas. Check the help file in the menus for key commands. There are flaps, gear, gas, wheel brakes, and view controls.

Anyhow, a pleasant re-discovery.

05-01-17, 07:26 AM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,615 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Reminder: Google Earth flight simulator It has been many years since I tried this one last time. Must have been when it was first released. Back then, i had no fast enough internet or GE was lacking the function of displaying not only 3D-modelled earth surface, but also real 3D buildings in so many prominent areas, cities, metropoles. I now tried it again after so many years, and on my Linux laptop. What should I say? I am stunned at how well this now works! To me, Google Earth always has been the - by far - most interesting and positive thing Google ever did, even before their search engine, even more so since Earth does so little, compared to other Google software, to spy on you. I now have real speeds of around 11-12 MB/sec with my temporary internet connection, and the textures get loaded fast enough to really add meat, skin and bones to the flight "sim". The flightsimulator covers just the very basics and allows unrealstic stuff, if you push for that, it cannot replace a real flight simualtor. But it looses speed when you climb, and drops when you turn, such basic stuff. It is not meant to be a mission-based game, but another way to approach and experience the stunning 3D environment that Google Earth allows you discover. For Germans interesting: since w ehave only the 20 largets cities in Germany covered by Google Street View, you can use the 3D scenery (where available) as a surrogate by zooming in to the maximum. It is not Street view, and the 3D modelling is quite roigh around the edges, still, comparing real world places I know with the 3D scenery, the latter catches the generla feeling and looks of the place wite well. Very nice toys, not new, but newly re-discovered - and now rally making sense. Try it if you haven't checked it for the past years. The 3D box needs to be ticked, of course. I also recommend to use the slower propeller aircraft, the fight jet is so fast that the textures over regions with many buildings and houses will not get loaded in time and so the looks will remain somewhat washed-out (maybe not a problem for people having much faster internet connections than I do). If you travel with the slower aircraft at speeds around 100-120kn, it is not a problem, usually, not even in the densely-build areas. Check the help file in the menus for key commands. There are flaps, gear, gas, wheel brakes, and view controls. Anyhow, a pleasant re-discovery. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert. Last edited by Skybird; 05-01-17 at 08:12 AM.