[AVATAR TESTING and INSTRUCTIONS]

just testing

[good source for mapping]

Hello out there

I have used an open source program from NASA for a couple years and have found it very helpful for campng trips.

here is the direct link to the download page.and the best part is that it is FREE

http://learn.arc.nasa.gov/worldwind

this program has multiple layers on the mapping and too many extras to list

here are some basic commands for navigating the maps

double left click zooms in.

double right click zooms out.

left click and hold while dragging mouse moves the maps in the direction of the mouse.

right click and hold while dragging the mouse rotates the map on an axis that reveals 3d details in the topography of the map.

clicking both left and right while holding and dragging the mouse up or down the screen will give you more control of the zoom in and out feature.

you can also use the directional arrow keys on your keyboard to move the map around.

 

This can be fun. while using the right click and hold while dragging the map to turn it on its side to reveal some of the 3d topography set the map where ya want it and then use the arrow keys on your keyboard and you can do a fly over of the area your looking at it will give you a better idea of what to expect iin the way of those geocaches that are off the beaten path

 

this program also has USGS overlays and like i mentioned before too many goodies to list the best way to learn the program is to turn it on and play.

hope some people find this fun and useful

cya sesleigher

[good source for free mapping program]

I downloaded the program but my 1.8 Ghz processor is too slow to run it effectively.

i believe that my processor is the same speed

i have found that it sometimes relies on the speed of your connection to work well

when at home on a cable modem it works great but at my freinds house with a sattilite connection it is not even worth opening the program up at times

hope this helps

cya sesleigher

[good source for free mapping program]

Pretty nifty.

 

Needed to learn that a double-left click zooms in and a double right-click zooms out. Also, the layer manager helps a lot.

 

Nice program - Thanks for the info!

oops my bad sorry about that

here are some other things to know

right click and hold then move mouse to rotate and render 3d veiwing angles

click both R & L and hold then drag mouse either up or down the screen for zoom in and out

you can also use keyboard arrow keys to slide map in any direction

can't remember what left click and hold while dragging the mouse dosee but i'm sure its preety cool

i hope this additional info helps all who decide to try this freebie out

cya sesleigher

[good source for free mapping program]

hello everyone out there.

i am a noobie and can't wait to find my first cache,while surfing the fourums for some tips and advice from the more experinced geocachers out there i noticed that there are a lot of inquiries about free maps and software.

I have been using a program from NASA for a couple years now and find it very helpful in planning my camping trips.it is called WorldWind and is FREE!! here is the link to take you to the download page directly

http://learn.arc.nasa.gov/worldwind/

the program has many tools,overlays,and many more items too many to list

I hope this is helpful for everyone

I also use delorme topo quads 2.0 for penna. it has direct hook up and GPS recognition tools in the program and is not to pricey for the average person

cya sesleigher