Realtime Google Earth

There are several things that are needed to use Google Earth as a base for a moving map display. While all the pieces are not all in place, it is quickly coming together.

Consider:

• Google Earth as the base map and underlying system.
• GooPs (free) as the GPS interface (to a bluetooth GPS receiver).
• Option GT Max data card (~$300 - unlocked European version) with a data-only T-Mobile connection ($50/month).

An alternative is to try the tracking feature in Google Earth Pro ($20/year).

It looks like an advantage of the GooPs approach is the possibility of storing current locations on a remote server so that other people can see where you are. This might be a critical feature if a field researcher needs the support of a base-station team.