What you should know about Google Earth
Compatibility issues of graphics cards give rise to problems while using Google Earth. Some of them are completely incompatible and therefore you should better avoid them. While some of them work well with DirectX while some others work well OpenGL. Moreover the system configuration also plays an important.
What is the procedure for setting DirectX as default 3D renderer for Google Earth?
The procedure for doing so is as follows.
a) Select “Start” button and from the options choose “All Programs”.
b) Then in the list of programs, go to your version of Google Earth and choose “Start Google Earth in Direct X”.
c) This completes the procedure. After this, just restart your version of Google Earth.
Are there an issues with Nvidia graphics cards.
Not all, but some Nvidia Graphics cards are known to have compatibility issues with Google Earth. The issues are discussed below.
The Nvidia Graphics cards require a driver 6177 or higher to function efficiently.
Nvidia GeForce cards and Nvidia TNT2 cards will function properly with both OpenGL as well as DirectX.
Nvidia GeForce4 MX-400 (420/440)function properly with DirectX. However people have experienced issues while Movie making and Printing in OpenGL.
Nvidia 6800 SLI will works only with OpenGL version. If we there to use it in DirectX mode it will draw only half of the screen.
Nvidia Quadro cards work efficiently with DirectX, however issues movie making, emailing an image when covered, and printing may arise. However, you can solve this problem by checking the checkbox for “use unified back/depth buffer”, in advanced tab. For accessing it click, Display -> Advanced -> OpenGL options and restart your system.
Known issues with Intel Graphics cards?
Some Intel graphics cards are have compatibility issues for Google Earth. The issues are discussed below.
If your system has an Intel 810/815 with ./3198 driver and Windows XP-SP2-RC2 as the operating system and it is running OpenGL, it may crash when you are using Google Earth. So avoid installing XP-SP2 on your computer if it has this graphics card. Also note that altering anisotropic settings may lead to image corruption until you restart.
If your computer has Intel 810/815 it is important to have driver 6.13.01.3196 or higher. This card works efficiently with OpenGL. However, for some configurations, problem arise if you are using DirectX. DirectX needs a 16-bit or 32-bit screen. Therefore, it does not work with 24-bit mode.
Intel 82845/82855 will need a driver 6.14.10.3847 or higher. It will work efficiently with DirectX, however if you use OpenGL, the driver will have problem with filled polygons. They appear white. One more problem with this card is that CRTL+ALT+UP (or Down) Arrow keys are hot keys for it. As these combinations are used for fine-adjustment of zoom in or out in Google Earth, you wont be able to do so
Why is graphics card important for Google Earth?
A graphics card is a peripheral device which is important to computer, for the purpose of processing and delivering graphics animation, and videos. It is also known as video card, display adapter, or video adapter. Therefore it becomes extremely important for running Google Earth.
Technorati Tags: Google Earth, Help, System Requirements
Tags: Google Earth Basics
