Using Topography to know where you are!
Nov 9, 2010 | 4:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: AA EXP 2.5MM National EE
Posts: 298
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I always spend time looking out of the window at the ground below. I try to recognize any landmarks to figure out where I am. Long story short I have noooo idea!
Is there anyone here who could look out of the window and figure out where he is?
I always spend time looking out of the window at the ground below. I try to recognize any landmarks to figure out where I am. Long story short I have noooo idea!
Is there anyone here who could look out of the window and figure out where he is?
Last edited by hotdogs; Nov 9, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Nov 9, 2010 | 4:55 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 11,010
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I always spend time looking out of the window at the ground below. I try to recognize any landmarks to figure out where I am. Long story short I have noooo idea!
Is there anyone here who could look out of the window and figure out where he is?
I always spend time looking out of the window at the ground below. I try to recognize any landmarks to figure out where I am. Long story short I have noooo idea!
Is there anyone here who could look out of the window and figure out where he is?
Nov 9, 2010 | 4:56 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: ORD/PSP
Programs: AA LT EXP, 5.8 MM, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,045
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I always spend time looking out of the window at the ground below. I try to recognize any landmarks to figure out where I am. Long story short I have noooo idea!
Is there anyone here who could look out of the window and figure out where he is?
I always spend time looking out of the window at the ground below. I try to recognize any landmarks to figure out where I am. Long story short I have noooo idea!
Is there anyone here who could look out of the window and figure out where he is?
The green trees and cornfields of Missouri
The square-mile checkerboard of eastern and central Kansas
The irrigation circles of western Kansas and eastern Colorado
The mountains of south central and southwestern Colorado/northern New Mexico
The high plateaus and mesas of southern Utah/northern Arizona
The Grand Canyon/Lake Powell/Lake Mead
The low desert of western Arizona/the Colorado River/eastern California
Palm Springs
Los Angeles
Nov 9, 2010 | 5:06 pm
#4
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hotlanta.
Programs: DL (duh), AA 1MM, Bonvoy Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 8,773
You may want to consider a book entitled "America from the Air". I bought a copy years ago because I'm an airplane geek... it's pretty enjoyable.
Nov 10, 2010 | 6:31 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: AA EXP 2.5MM National EE
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Thank you. I will buy that book!
Originally Posted by emma dog
You may want to consider a book entitled "America from the Air". I bought a copy years ago because I'm an airplane geek... it's pretty enjoyable.
Nov 10, 2010 | 6:36 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA 2.996MM & Plat Pro, DL 1MM, GM & Flying Colonel
Posts: 25,037
My laptop has a free-standing U.S. map program. (No need for an Internet connection.) I've used it from time to time to figure out where I am. Given a general idea of a route, it's not that hard to identify cities on large-ish bodies of water. From there, the highway system is your friend.
(One afternoon I was confused by a building that was partly surrounded by a bright yellow line several feet wide. I knew where we were, but couldn't figure out what that could possibly be. It finally hit me: a school with a line of buses waiting to take children home.)
(One afternoon I was confused by a building that was partly surrounded by a bright yellow line several feet wide. I knew where we were, but couldn't figure out what that could possibly be. It finally hit me: a school with a line of buses waiting to take children home.)
Nov 10, 2010 | 9:05 am
#8
Join Date: May 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE, SPG Gold, HH D
Posts: 1,130
I use the AC seatback map to identify things sometimes, it's surprisingly fun and accurate. On a recent clear night flight back over the great lakes I could see Milwaukee and the curve of Lake Michigan with Chicago around it. Definitely a fun activity!
ETA: found Google Earth for iPad. Downloading it for this Thursday's flight!
Nov 10, 2010 | 6:32 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SFO/SJC/SQL
Posts: 1,412
I sometimes bring along sectional charts and use pilotage to figure out where I am. There are easier ways but I use it as a way to get better at aerial navigation.
On wifi enabled flights, I use Flightaware as well. There is a 15 minute lag but it is close enough.
On wifi enabled flights, I use Flightaware as well. There is a 15 minute lag but it is close enough.