Historic Aerial Photos

[60041]

I have just downloaded the latest version of Google Earth and have found that it includes historic mapping and images of many places. Both Newcastle and Darlington (and many other places) have detailed images from 1945. It is possible to zoom in quite close, then joggle between 1945 and 2009.
It is rather saddening to see how much "rationalisation" the railways have suffered over the years.

[BHornsey]

Hi.

I have Google Earth but cannot see any option to load historic views. Where is this option available within the program?
Do you have to be looking at an area where the historic views are available?

Brian

[60041]

Hi.

I have Google Earth but cannot see any option to load historic views. Where is this option available within the program?
Do you have to be looking at an area where the historic views are available?

Brian

This function seems to only be available with the latest version, so if you have not updated recently, you may not have it.
After downloading the latest version, go to a place and zoom in; you will then see a clock symbol and a date on the bottom information bar near to the map coordinates, if you click on the date the old page will appear along with a slide bar on the top left that will allow you to go back and forward in time. Most of Britain only goes back to 2002, but some places have images from the 1980's and some, right back to 1945.

[BHornsey]

Hi.

There isn't an info bar at the bottom of mine.
I'm using the Google Earth plug-in for Internet Explorer that I downloaded recently.
Are you using a stand-anlone version?

Brian

[60041]

Hi.

There isn't an info bar at the bottom of mine.
I'm using the Google Earth plug-in for Internet Explorer that I downloaded recently.
Are you using a stand-anlone version?

Brian

The version I am using is the latest free one for Internet Explorer, version 6.
The status bar is across the bottom of the picture and displays the map coordinates and altitude as well as the new date options.

I have been having another play tonight and have found the 1945 coverage of the London area is very good

[JustinTime]

I have just downloaded the latest version of Google Earth and have found that it includes historic mapping and images of many places. Both Newcastle and Darlington (and many other places) have detailed images from 1945. It is possible to zoom in quite close, then joggle between 1945 and 2009.
It is rather saddening to see how much "rationalisation" the railways have suffered over the years.

Good tip, thanks.

I've had Google Earth on my iMac for a couple of years but never knew about this functionality.

Cheers.

[BHornsey]

Hi.

After a bit of investigation, I've just realised that there are two forms of Google Earth software.
The one I had is the plug-in for Internet Explorer that add functionality to the Google Maps pages.
The second form is a stand alone program that runs outside of IE and it is this version that has the ability to overlay old aerial images. After downloading the stand alone version, all was revealed to me!

Thanks.
Brian

[strang steel]

On a slight tangent to this; if you look at the aerial photo for Didcot Railway Centre on Google Maps, instead of finding a shiny GWR loco standing outside the shed, you will see an A4. Am I correct in thinking it is Sir Nigel?