Part 2 - Download and Install Software and Data

Step 1 – Download Google Earth

  1. Access the Google Earth download page to download and install the free version of Google Earth for your operating system.
    1. Click on the http://www.google.com/earth/index.html to access the Google Earth Site. You will see the window shown below. On this page, click the Download Google Earth 6 button.
      Google e site
    2. A Downloads page will open. On this page click the Agree and Download button. Note: you may want to uncheck the "Include Google Chrome" check box. 
      download page
       
    3. The download will begin. While the download is taking place, a Thank You page will appear.
    4. The program installer will download to your Downloads folder. The Downloads window will show the progress of your download. 
      downloads progress
    5. Depending on your browser settings, the installer may start automatically; if not, follow the instructions in Step 2.
    6. At the end of the download, an alert box will tell you that the .dmg (Mac) or .exe (PC) file contains an application. Click the Continue (Mac) or Save (PC) button to finish the download.
  2. When the download is complete, locate the downloaded (.dmg or .exe) file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to initiate the installation. In some systems the installer will start automatically.
     
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Typically, Google Earth is installed in the Applications (Mac) or Programs (PC) folder.
  4. On a Windows OS, open the GoogleEarthSetup.exe file and click Run. When installed, Google Earth launches automatically.
  5. Create a shortcut or alias to the program for easy access. 
    Google Earth
  6. Launch Google Earth by double-clicking its icon in the Dock (Mac) or choosing it from the Programs list under the Start menu (PC). You will be asked if you want to open the program, Click OK.
  7. Because Google Earth is streaming images and data from the Internet, it takes a moment to launch. When it is running, you will see the main Google Earth window. 
     
  8. If this is your first time using Google Earth, allow time to explore the features of the program. Practice turning layers on and off, zooming in and out, tilting and panning.
  9. Additional Google Earth instructions are available on the Internet in the Google Earth online tutorials. For the purposes of this chapter, you just need to focus on the navigation tools. 

    Alternatively, this Google Earth Online Student Users Guide is a very complete and helpful tutorial. 
     
  10. Click on the link below to download the Permafrost_EET.kmz file to your computer. To accomplish this, right-click (PC) or control-click (Mac) the link below. Choose the option that will download the file to your computer. "Download Linked File..." "Save Link As..." or "Save Target As..." are common browser commands to accomplish this task. This is a large data file, so it may take several minutes to download. Permafrost_EET.kmz (KMZ File 3kB Feb24 11) 
     
  11. When the file has downloaded, locate it and place it in the folder that you set up for this chapter.
  12. Double-click the file to launch Google Earth and open the file. If you have Google Earth running, choose File > Open from the drop-down menu and navigate to the Permafrost_EET.kmz file.