![]() The Google Earth view below of Hedden Creek Falls in northeast Rabun County, Georgia looks very different from the view of Angelica Falls above. Some may look like powerful torrents of whitewater, while a thin sliver of white at best may be what you see at others. Not all waterfalls will look alike on Google Earth satellite imagery. Although most waterfalls will be visible in both satellite views, some waterfalls will show up better in higher flow views like the 3/2019 view. Something else to note is the difference in water levels between the 4/2017 and 3/2019 views - the flow is much heavier in the 3/2019 view. In contrast, the 10/2015 view (screenshot below) is a fully-forested early fall view, and not one trace of whitewater is visible. The 4/2017 and 3/2019 views (screenshot above) are both early spring views, and the trees are bare in these views, so the creek and waterfall are visible well. For example, hovering over Angelica Falls in northwest Rabun County, Georgia, the last three satellite views are dated 3/2019, 4/2017, and 10/2015. The historical imagery slider allows you to navigate between satellite views from different dates. The waterfalls are usually hidden beneath the forest canopy on satellite imagery where all the leaves are present on trees (such as in mid-summer). A general rule of thumb is that you need to be looking at a winter or early spring view on Google Earth to see most waterfalls. It is helpful to use the 3D panning feature to gauge the size and steepness of a waterfall (or an area of whitewater). Sometimes Google Earth can be misleading, and the whitewater might turn out to just be a series of steep or dynamic cascades. Basically, any area of whitewater that you see on Google Earth is going to be a waterfall. It remains one of the most useful tools you could find anywhere! Google Earth features 3D satellite imagery of the whole world dating back to 1993, though for us waterfallers, the most recent imagery sets hold the most value. Until very recently, the Google Earth software was the premier technological innovation used by all explorers for identifying waterfalls, documented or not. GPS Visualizer is my favorite website for exploring topographic maps digitally. ![]() You can even generate elevation profiles from GPS tracks. GPS Visualizer allows you to draw on maps, mark waypoints, and upload GPS tracks. For level of detail, my favorites are "USGS + relief" and "USFS + relief", both of which are sourced from CalTopo. After hitting the "Draw on a Map" tab, you can select from dozens of different map options. ![]() GPS Visualizer is a website very useful for exploring interactive topo maps digitally. Topo maps can also show some hiking trails and old logging roads, but their locations tend to be less reliable. ![]() All drivable forest roads and many gated forest roads will be shown on topo maps. At the very least, topo maps will typically show names and locations of creeks, mountains, and roads. In a topo map you can find an important overview of any area you're interested in. The basic topographic map has been an essential outdoor exploration tool for generations and remains important today. ![]()
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