Google Earthでフライトシミュレーション――米Googleは9月15日、「Google Earth」の最新β版に新機能を追加した。マウスの代わりに、PCゲーム用の操縦かんやステアリングなどのコントローラを利用してGoogle Earthを操作できるという。
Google Earth as a "Flight Simulator"
If you have the latest version (Windows 4.0.2091) you can enable the controller in the "Options->Navigation" panel. If you have 4.0.2080, I recommend you go ahead and re-download to get the new version. You also should calibrate your controller using the Windows Control Panel.
In Google Earth, you can turn on the G-Force mode by hitting CTRL-G (note: use CTRL-T to return to normal mouse interaction). You will know if you are in G-Force mode if you have an airplane icon for the mouse pointer. Once you're in G-Force mode, you can use your controller device to fly in Google Earth. With a flight stick controller you can use your yoke to fly like a plane. Unfortunately, with my controller (a Virtual Pilot Pro) the throttle control doesn't control speed. I found some of the buttons on the controller would control speed though. (You can also right click your mouse and move forward and backwards to control speed). But, the pitch and roll works as expected with the yoke. It's a very fun way to fly around in Google Earth. Check it out if you have a controller!
