THE PLAN VISUALIZATION

What is Google Earth?

This page provides important information on how to use and interpret the Plan Visualization using Google Earth. Please read through this before continuing on to the visualization. The projects shown in this visualization reflect the 2034 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) candidate projects. Check back later for the updated visualization of prioritized projects included in the 2034 LRTP.

Click the button above to view the 2034 Committed & Planned Projects!

Click HERE for a KMZ file or HERE for a KML file.

Click the button above to view the 2034 Candidate Projects!

Click HERE for a KMZ file or HERE for a KML file.

Google Earth is a free-of-charge downloadable virtual Earth program. It constructs this virtual Earth by dynamically piecing together a series of aerial and satellite photographs. Google Earth allows users to zoom in and out, and pan across the Earth's surface. It also allows information providers of all kinds to publish geo-spatial information that overlays with the virtual Earth background of aerial and satellite photographs.

Google Earth is NOT real-time. The photography presented by Google Earth is static. Depending on what part of the Earth you are viewing, the aerial photography may be several years old.

For more information about Google Earth, please read their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why Google Earth?

SAFETEA-LU specifies that MPOs such as the HRTPO must use enhanced visualization techniques in their planning and outreach efforts. HRTPO staff has recommended using Google Earth as one tool in its efforts towards better visualization of the Plan as well as other planning activities.

How to get Google Earth

Google Earth is embedded in our website for a web-based user experience, as well as a file download format for desktop based user experience. Click HERE or use the large button at the top of this page for the website based user experience. For the desktop based user experience, the user will need to download Google Earth, which can be downloaded free-of-charge from the Google Earth website. It is available for PC, Mac and Linux. After downloading Google Earth, click HERE for the KMZ file or HERE for the KML file.

The basics of Google Earth

The Google Earth Product Tour provides a good introduction to using Google Earth.

One Google Earth feature that is not described in the tour is how to use a scroll-wheel mouse with Google Earth. When using Google Earth with a scroll-wheel mouse, one can use the scroll-wheel to easily zoom in and out of the Earth.