Found, but not in Google Earth

[Munden]

Given the way the forum topics are laid out, I thought this belonged here instead. I get bored between GE updates and mess around with Maps Live now and again. Although much of China got an update recently, one of the shipyards where they are constructing their brand new SSN Shang class submarines was NOT one that got an update.

However, in the Maps Live image (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=30.534505~114.283465&style=h&lvl=17&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&encType=1) you can clearly see two of the new SSN Shang subs sitting at the dock, awaiting some level of finishing.

If you want to see a Shang Class submarine in GE, go visit this GEH post. (http://www.gearthhacks.com/dlfile28253/Shang-Class-submarine.htm)

[lmorgante]

HI
Im new on here could anyone help me and tell me how i get GE live or a 2008 views of AUSTRALIA AREAS
thanks

[Captain Hornblower]

GE live? For now it's science fiction.

Australia 2008? Wait until 2009, 2010, 2011, ... :slant:

[Munden]

Yes, the 'live' part is nothing more than a name that Micrsoft dreamed up for 'live.com'. For a while their mapping system was 'local.live.com', but it got a change a while back.

The images, however, are far from live. :)

That won't change until two hurdles are overcome:
1) Bandwidth
2) Distance / zoom

Keep in mind the satellites taking these images are flying at only about 445 im in altitude. (roughly 276 miles) They don't and can't hover over a single spot at that distance. Geostationary satellites that do 'hover' fly at about 22,000+ miles out. Right now, that'd be a really bad resolution for an image. :)

The way things are going, if someone were to do this my guess is that it'd probably be done with an automated high-altitude aircraft platform similar to the flying solar wing that NASA flew a few years back. Right now I don't think anyone has any overwhelming desire or need for images that 'fresh' though.

Anyway, don't let the 'Live' in that name fool you. :)

[Munden]

To correct myself, I found more information about what submarines are made here now that the site has been updated in Google Earth. The Shang class are not constructed here and the lengths of the submarines reflect that they are Song class diesel-electric submarines.

For what it's worth. :)