Google Earth is a valuable tool for professional cartographers and ambitious amateurs alike.  Knowing the capabilities and options allow anyone with a need and an idea to present rich, compelling mapping products.

The objectives for this lab were to learn how to convert ArcGIS maps and layers into KML files along with creating/sharing maps and tours.

To complete this lab I used the example .mxd file provided. I converted the .mxd and the South Florida shapefile into the KML format that is used by Google Earth.  At this point I was ready to truly dive into the wide ranging options that Google Earth provides its users.

The most exciting part of the lab was creating a tour of the map area.  This feature allows the map maker to zoom in and out to points of interest to highlight relevant locations.  This is something that will allow people to be creative when presenting a spatial topic worth consideration.

The lesson I learned with this lab is that Google Earth is a resource for both novices and the most advanced users.  Anyone with an idea and initiative can make something useful and volunteer it to the wider mapping community.