

Here, one of those sites, the Oahu Defense Area in Hawaii, is shown in 1968. His plan is to build a geo-referenced database so that anyone can research the Nike missile sites through Google Earth. Those missiles became obsolete with the advent of long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles (opens in new tab) (ICBMs).ĭavid Tewksbury, a GIS (geographic information system) specialist at Hamilton College in New York, aimed to preserve a visual record of the abandoned Nike missile launch sites before they vanish - either as a result of being reclaimed by nature, repurposed by the military or redeveloped. Some of those missiles even carried nuclear warheads. Nike missiles, which were supersonic surface-to-air missiles, sat ready to launch at nearly 300 sites across the United States during a period of the Cold War, from 1954 to the 1970s.

(Image credit: Google Earth) (opens in new tab) Why is satellite view your favorite? In the comments below, let me know, and don’t forget to share the article with others on social media.This Google Earth image shows the Oahu Defense Area in Hawaii, which was equipped with missiles in open air with earthen revetments, or embankments, between paired launch sites, shown here in 1968. If you see that it’s using way too much data for your liking turning it off is just as easy. ConclusionĪs you can see, it’s always straightforward to have Google Maps show you your maps in satellite view. Even though there’s no button to toggle on, the app will remember your choice for future use. If you’re using Google Maps on iPad or iPhone, tap on the Map Layer option and choose Satellite. When you’re done, you can always change it back to default. Google Maps will show you the available options that are default, Satellite, and Terrain. When you want to use satellite mode, you can enable it by tapping on the Map Type icon shaped like a diamond with a V under it. If you notice that always starting Google Maps in satellite view uses too much data, you can always follow the same steps to turn it off. Go to Setting, and swipe down until you see the option that says Start Maps in Satellite view. To always have Google Maps open in Satellite view, Open the app and tap on your profile picture. How to Make Google Maps Always Open in Satellite View But, if you’re ok with that, here’s how you can change it. There is one thing you should know about the Satellite view, and it does use more data than the others. With a few taps here and there, every time you open Google Maps, it’ll open in that view. But if you’re a huge Satelite view fan and always want Google Maps to open on that option, it’s possible.
