Measuring Building Heights Using Google Earth

Introduction

• Presenter: Jay Jones
• Topic: How to measure the height of buildings using Google Earth or Google Earth Pro.
• Important Note: This method only works for cities rendered in 3D on Google Earth.

Requirements

• Access to Google Earth or Google Earth Pro.
  • Google Earth: Can be accessed via Google Chrome.
  • Google Earth Pro: Offers additional features and higher rendering quality but functions similarly for this purpose.

Steps to Measure Height

1. Identify 3D Rendered Buildings:
   • Rotate and zoom to ensure buildings appear in 3D.
2. Locate Elevation Values:
   • Bottom right corner shows elevation in meters (Google Earth) or feet (Google Earth Pro).
   • Elevation value changes as you move the cursor.
3. Calculate Building Height:
   • Obtain the elevation at the highest point of the building and subtract the elevation at the base (e.g., road).
   • Example Calculation:
     • Building Elevation: 301 feet
     • Base Elevation: 1 foot
     • Height = 301 - 1 = 300 feet.

Example Measurements

• Building 1: River Tower, Wilmington, DE

  • Top Elevation: 301 feet
  • Base Elevation: 1 foot
  • Calculated Height: 299 feet.

• Building 2: Shoten Suites, Wilmington, DE

  • Top Elevation: 263 feet
  • Base Elevation: 99 feet
  • Calculated Height: 164 feet.

• House Measurement:

  • Example House:
  • Chimney Elevation: 400 feet
  • Base Elevation: 369 feet
  • Calculated Height: 31 feet.

Accuracy and Limitations

• Measurements are generally very accurate, but not exact.
• Most reliable method for casual measurements without professional equipment.

Conclusion

• This method is a practical way to measure building heights using Google Earth.
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