Convergence: Google Earth, ExpertGPS, Wikipedia

It's amazing how much can happen with a simple software upgrade. It's mind boggling the compounding power of simple software upgrades of multiple packages.

Many of you know my love for ExpertGPS ~ a great tool for working with GPS devices, managing routes and waypoints, the usual stuff. Dan Foster (the author) sells a "family license" for like $80 which gives you free upgrades for life. (I prefer this over Google Earth because I can cache the maps offline ~ maybe you can do that with GE now?)

Step 1. ExpertGPS now has an urban maps option which, in addition to topo and aerial, gives greater clarity; but they also have a "Go To Address" function. I looked up "Doty, WA 98539" (where the Lyons clan originated from, and my brother is now.)

Step 2. ExpertGPS now also has a "Press F7 to see in Google Earth". Sure enough... ZOOM... right to 46 38.138 / 123 16.764. As I'm browsing around in GE, I notice a blue dot titled Doty, Washington.

Step 3. I double-click the blue Doty, Washington dot and get a Wikipedia window with a "stub" entry for this once-thriving logging metropolis. Now, there is TONS of history for this town of 500, as it was quite the boom town in the early 1900's. You won't any good history on Google, though. (Ironically, Google thinks there's hair salons and hotels... not for the last 100 years or so.)

But what a great project for kids! Use Google Earth to examine towns in Washington, or around the country, and then update the Wikipedia entries. Even Kent, WA, which has a more robust entry, has some great history that hasn't been captured in Wikipedia.