[meteorite-list] GoogleEarth & GPS in Meteorite Hunting

[Meteorites USA]

I've wondered about the iPad and using it with Google Earth as a mobile 
mapping/plotting platform. Though I've read you must be near a WiFi spot 
to use it, just like using your laptop computer. If there is a mobile 
broadband modem/connection then it would be feasible and a very useful 
tool. Perhaps tethering your iPad to your cellphone somehow? Not sure...

As far as storage capacity. If you're simply using it for mapping, you 
don't need that much space. Especially when you're in the field. Your 
larger files can be uploaded to a server/website and you can log in via 
your iPad while in the field. The only files you need stored on your 
iPad for meteorite hunting are Google Earth, and the KMZ files which 
aren't that large at all. The ONLY time you'd need more storage space is 
when you have larger image files, videos, or audio. Which is NOT needed 
when mapping and plotting meteorite strenfields.

Honestly, we've thought about this, and a laptop is still probably the 
number one tool. I've used mobile my laptop with broadband when hunting 
a few strewnfields, but it is cumbersome if you don't have the right 
equipment. The bad part about using a laptop is, unless you want to 
carry around your laptop all day, you'll have to leave it in the 
car/truck. This poses a problem and risk of theft.

The iPad is light, easy to use, and would make an excellent tool if you 
can stay online. It would easily fit in a Camelback pack (hydration-back 
pack system) with your other gear, digital camera, GPS etc.

The high-tech meteorite hunter is the future of meteorite recovery.

Eric




On 9/11/2010 5:07 PM, Michael Blood wrote:
> Hi all,
>          I have come to realize there is a crucial tool for meteorite
> Hunting that I have yet to hear of anyone using: iPad using
> "Google  Earth" with the GPS coordinates.
>          To use this tool in the field, you must have one of the
> Models with G3 capability. That said, you can not only locate
> Coordinates easily, you can SEE the area you are searching
> With great clarity - and also check any "Utube" videos of other
> Hunts in the given area, and any other information you may
> Want from the internet WHILE you are in the field, the price
> Sounds compelling, since I hear the better GPS units start at
> about $200 and the cheaper ones are at least $100.
>          I have located the cheapest method of purchasing a unit. It goes
> from $629- with FREE  shipping to $829 depending on Gigabytes you
> Desire,  so and have decided to provide a link from my site.
>          However, the best anyone can explain me is the more gigabytes
> you have the more movies and videos you can STORE on the device,
> so, personally, I see little to be gained by spending the additional $
> for more gigs unless you, personally make a LOT of videos and want
> all of them on your iPad. Otherwise, any other source can be accessed
> by the device, so, why store it IN the device? Perhaps I am wrong
> here, if so, would someone on the list please clarify additional advantages
> To purchasing massive Gigs on this unit.
>          Regardless,
>
> 1) Go to:
>
> http://michaelbloodmeteorites.com/
>
> 2) Click on the RED banner ad: "Sales and Freebies" left of
> The Banner Ad for IMPACTICA.
>
> 3) On the new page, near the top, click on "iPad"
>
> 4) On the newer page, again click on "iPad"
>
> 5) On this page, scroll down to "iPad Starting at $499" go to
> The right of it and UNDER "On Line Store" click on "Buy Now"
> (this will NOT be committing you to any purchase)
>
> 6) you will now be on a page offering the lowest prices for
> An iPad possible:
>
> 16GB1
> *  Ships:  Within 24hrs
> * Free Shipping
> * $629.00
> * Pre-Order iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G 16GB
>
> 32GB1
> *  Ships:  Within 24hrs
> * Free Shipping
> * $729.00
> * Pre-Order iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G 32GB
>
> 64GB1
> *  Ships:  Within 24hrs
> * Free Shipping
> * $829.00
>
>          Best wishes, Michael
>
>
>
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